The new free trade agreement between Australia and the United Kingdom has been viewed as an opportunity to increase working holiday maker arrivals down under. The agreement came into effect on the 31st of May, 2023.
Working holidaymakers under 35 can now travel between Australia and the United Kingdom for up to three years.
Australian Hotels Association (AHA) and Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA) welcomed the historic agreement, saying it’s good news for Australia’s hotels, bars and restaurants.
CEO of the Australian Hotels Association, Stephen Ferguson, said the agreement would enhance connections between the two countries.
“The United Kingdom is one of our largest and oldest trading partners and a country with which our accommodation and hospitality industry has very strong links,” said Ferguson.
Tourism Accommodation Australia CEO, Michael Johnson, added that the new agreement will provide greater access to working holiday makers from the United Kingdom to Australia, and that it will have a positive impact on the struggling Australian hotel sector.
“Australia’s hotels have enjoyed a long history of employing UK backpackers in all parts of the country, including regional and remote areas where employees are difficult to source,” said Johnson.
The agreement is predicted to see more backpackers travelling to the southern hemisphere, supporting hotels and hospitality venues across the region.
