BOA

The Backpacker Operators Association NSW Inc (BOA) was formed in 1992 to address issues facing the industry.

Its first meeting was held on Tuesday 14th July 1992 – a group of hostel operators got together to look at touting and standards, two perennial issues but now not the only ones BOA deals with.

Successful activities have included: 

• Supporting the Backpacker Tourism Advisory Panel (BTAP) in lobbying the Federal Government to keep developing the working Holiday Visa Scheme and to introduce a tax free threshold for Working Holiday Makers.  
• Supporting local councils in detection and closure of unauthorised backpacker accommodation and contributing to the formation of a NSW Government Task Force to combat unauthorised backpacker accommodation in NSW.
• Working with Tourism New South Wales and the Sydney Airport Corporation to control and find a permanent solution to the problem of touting at the Arrivals Terminal at the international airport. 
• Hosting stands at both the Sydney and Melbourne Backpacker Expos. 
• Establishing regional sub-committees. 
• Establishment of the Backpacker Board at Sydney International Airport.
• Lobbying for changes to local government regulations affecting backpacker hostels.
• Promotion of regional NSW in conjunction with Tourism New South Wales to backpackers.
• Spokesperson for the industry to the media.
• Liaison with the NSW Police Service in regard to backpacker safety.
• Fought for the exemption of bed tax for the industry.

Past presidents