What is Backpacking

Backpacker tourism is a global phenomenon. It involves the movement of millions of travelers around the world, and refers to a diverse range of experiences and activities that can include work, volunteering, education, leisure and holidaying.

According to Pearce (1990), backpackers are the travelers who predominantly young, more likely to stay in budget accommodation, emphasize meeting other travelers, independently travel, have a flexible travel schedule, stay for a longer rather than a brief holiday, focus on informal and participatory holiday activities.

The Tourism White Paper (2004) of Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources had been acknowledged the backpacker tourism as an ‘important niche market’ and cited the significant expenditure of backpacker visitors compared to non-backpacker visitors Backpacker tourism has recognized by lot of tourism operators as a main part of any tourism economy. In accordance with Fiona Allon (2008), the estimated economic significance of backpacker visitors for a range of areas, industries and services is such that backpacker tourism is now commonly referred to as a ‘high yield segment’ of the tourism industry. The growing popularity of backpacking has been recognized by many destinations and in Australia this travel sector accounted for 10% of all arrivals in 2003 (Australian Tourist Commission, 2004).

Nalaka Jayathilaka
Hospitality, Tourism & Events Management
Faculty of Management
Uva Wellassa University
Sri Lanka