BOA

Dates for the Visitor Economy Taskforce stakeholder consultation meetings have been announced.

For a list of dates and locations, please click here.

Taking place from today onwards across Sydney and regional NSW, the meetings will assist the Taskforce with the development of Industry Action Plans for key sectors of the State's economy.

More information on the Visitor Economy Taskforce can be found on the 'Have your say' website - http://haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au

This is a brilliant opportunity to be part of shaping the future direction for tourism in NSW and we encourage all BOA members to take advantage of the opportunities to participate across the State.

BOA welcomed members, industry colleagues and friends to the 20th BOA AGM on Thursday 8th September held at the AGL Theatre, Museum of Sydney.

BOA’s Executive Committee reflected on a busy year for the Association, and thanked BOA members and the industry at large for their continued support during what was a challenging year for many businesses in the backpacking and youth tourism sector.

Map Airports has released the Sydney Airport Traffic Results for May 2011.

Key points in the release:

- Growth in total passenger traffic through Sydney airport in May was solid (+4.2%) compared to last year. Domestic passenger traffic was up +3.0% while international traffic grew strongly, + 7.8%.
- The growth in international passenger traffic was driven by strong Australian outbound travel and passengers from the Asian markets including China, Malaysia and Thailand.
- Australia was the major market that grew (+15%) followed by China (+13%) and New Zealand (+4%).
- Major markets that declined were: Korea , France, Japan, USA and Germany.
- Virgin Australia and Singapore Airline signed an agreement to establish long-term partnership.
- The proposed trans-pacific joint business agreement btw Qantas and American Airlines has been given interim approval. The two airlines can now undertake joint sales and marketing campaigns.
- Qantas commenced its first non stop service from Sydney to Dallas/Fort Worth in May.
- Qantas (B747) and Virgin Australia (A330) deployed larger/wide bodied aircrafts btw Sydney and Perth in late May.

After surveying BOA members in March to gather their thoughts and feedback on the provision of information services at Sydney Airport for backpackers and young travellers, representatives from the BOA Hostel Sub Committee attended a meeting with Travel Concierge at Sydney Airport's International Terminal recently.

The survey findings were presented, which showed that 1/3 respondents were concerned with the current service provided and the high costs associated with it - for many BOA members it was difficult to get an in-store presence.
 
As a result of the meeting, Travel Concierge are pleased to be able to offer a special BOA members-only deal.

BOA NSW welcomed a large crowd of over 50 people to the BOA Talks - Byron Bay event held on Thursday 16th June at Nomads Odyssey in Byron Bay.

BOA's second regional talk for 2011, it encouraged local operators to come together to look at local issues affecting the market with attendees putting forward a number of topics to discuss.

To see a copy of the event's agenda, please click here.

Tourism New South Wales has announced that they will again be providing funding for NSW industry partners to attend The World Youth and Student Travel Conference (WYSTC), an important trade event for the global youth, student and educational travel industry being held in Barcelona, Spain from 20 - 23 September 2011.

Dear BOA members,

Next week, Tourism NSW are launching a new youth campaign, targeting 18 - 30 year olds.  BOA members are encouraged to take part in this campaign by offering up a short break experience to be promoted online.

If you are interested, fill in the form/s below, and send back to Tourism NSW by Friday (details follow).

ACCOMMODATION FORM

ATTRACTION/HIRE/TOUR/ACTIVITY FORM 

**There is no cost to operators to participate in the campaign **

Following a successful stand at the Adventure Travel and Backpackers Expo in Sydney at the end of 2010, BOA NSW was taking centre stage again at the Expo in Melbourne on the weekend of 20-21 February, basking in large crowd numbers.

Over 500 Expo visitors dropped by the stand, which was emblazoned with newly produced BOA 'I love NSW' posters and t-shirts. Many tried their luck with the jam-packed prize wheel, whilst at the same time learning more about how to work, study and play for longer in Sydney and NSW.

Sydney's The Ivy Room played host to the BOA Black and White Ball 2011 on Friday 11th March with the who's who of the backpacker industry dressing up in a wide array of crazy costumes to raise money for BOA NSW. 

One of the highlights of the backpacking industry calendar, the inaugural ball raised much needed funds going towards projects BOA plans to undertake throughout the year through ticket sales and the live and silent auctions.

The event was made possible through the support of our sponsors – Insurance Advisernet Australia and Meso Creative – as well as BOA’s wonderful Events Sub Committee: Christian Millett, Denise Jinks, Kristy Carstairs, Rick Schindler and Stephen Wales. A big thank you also goes to the talented Pete O'Reilly - aka Safari Pete - our MC for the evening.

BOA NSW President Katrina Greeves has applauded a proposed plan by Randwick Mayor Murray Matson to legally allow backpackers one-night permits to stay in designated camping zones with council showers and toilet facilities.

More details on this announcement, including BOA NSW's response, can be ready in a Southern Courier news article.

BOA NSW has already met with Randwick Council representatives on the issue of illegal and free camping along Sydney's Eastern beaches and will continue to work on this issue for our members.