A free trade agreement between Australia and the United Kingdom that is expected to boost working holiday maker arrivals Down Under comes into force on Wednesday May 31.
Under the agreement, working holiday makers aged up to 35 years of age can travel between Australia and the UK 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.
“This agreement enhances connections between Australia and the UK, one of our largest and oldest trading partners and a country with which our accommodation and hospitality industry has very strong links,” said AHA National CEO Stephen Ferguson.
Tourism Accommodation Australia CEO Michael Johnson said having greater access to UK working holiday makers will have a positive impact on the Australian hotel sector which is struggling to fill vacant hospitality positions.
“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 said.
“There are countless stories of UK working holiday makers being employed in Australian hotels, contributing to the fabric of their local communities and even finding love while they are here.
“This agreement will see more backpackers travelling down under and making these important contributions, which is fantastic news for hotels and hospitality venues across the country.”