Backpackers: The next generation? - Scholarly Commons Home

Backpackers: The next generation?
Zealand government statistics indicate that 31% of users are domestic (MOT,
2007a). YHA studies have shown that 12% are domestic visitors (NZTRI, 2007).
The current study showed variations in domestic usage. One owner estimates
that 30% of his clients are domestic. One says she has none. Two have return
visitors whom they look forward to hosting each year, particularly over the
Christmas holidays.
However, four owners actively discourage New Zealanders from booking their
accommodations, with one stating that,
Our worst clientele are Kiwis. If New Zealanders want to stay at a
backpackers, we really question it. All the troubles we’ve had over the
years have been from them. Everyone here has friends or family in most
every town. Those who don’t have someone they know to stay with aren’t
the kind of people you want (104).
An Auckland accommodation owner said,
It’s a problem; they just don’t respect the place. If there’s any major
trouble in our hostel, it’s caused by or a New Zealander is in the middle of
it. Both older and younger. The older ones are often alcoholics or have
mental problems. The younger ones come for a cheap place to stay to party
for the weekend and go to concerts (108).
From a marketing point of view, this perception is unfortunate, given the
comments of the New Zealand backpackers – both professional women –
interviewed for this research. One commented that staying at backpackers,
where she was the only Kiwi present (“I became quite a novelty, which stunned
me”), had been enjoyable and she would encourage others to do it as well.
You’re not only going to see your own country, but you’re going to be a
valued ambassador – people will love you, and will ask you all sorts of
questions. ‘What shall we see, what shall we do?’ (Kim).
Accommodation of choice
While price created the initial impetus to stay in backpackers’ accommodations,
the overall experience induced continued use. One of the semi-structured
questions asked of older backpackers was whether these lodgings would be
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