Gold Medal is providing agents access to take a share of the youth travel sector by forging a deal to offer accommodation provided by YHA Australia.
The agreement will see the operator offering a range of high quality budget accommodation in Australia. The move comes as the World Tourism Organisation estimates that more than 20% of international tourists travelling the world in 2010 were young people.
More than 128,000 UK backpackers visit Australia a year, each staying an average 68 nights and spending A$7,660 per trip – a level of spend that is nearly twice as much as the average international traveller.
YHA budget properties will feature in Gold Medal’s 2012 Australia and New Zealand brochure which is released on December 15.
YHA Australia marketing manager for Europe Mandy Monk said: “We are very pleased to partner with Gold Medal to provide a range of products that are easily accessible to a growing number of customers via the high street.
“The budget and backpacker segment is continuing to grow and despite common misconceptions these travellers have disposable income, a strong propensity to travel and are generally less effected by issues such as the global financial crisis, making them an ideal target group in these more difficult times.
“We welcome the foresight shown by Gold Medal to tap into this lucrative segment through its independent agent partners.”
Three or four-night arrival packages in international gateway cities including Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Hobart, Melbourne and Perth come with prices starting at £108 based on stays in multi-share rooms and optional twin/double en-suite bedrooms.