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Backpacker Tourism Advisory Panel (BTAP)

HISTORY OF BTAP

In November 2003, a voluntary steering committee made up of backpacker industry representatives from across Australia was charged with the task of developing an issues agenda on behalf of the Australian Backpacker industry.

Six years on, BTAP has now evolved into a formal organisation, reporting to ATEC’s National Board. BTAP actively garners recognition and plays a critical role to advise key organisations including Tourism Australia (TA), the State Tourism Organisations (STOs) and state Backpacker Operator Associations (BOA’s) on backpacker sector issues and opportunities within Australia. It covers core areas of marketing and policy that affect the whole of the Australian industry.

"Since Joining ATEC we have not looked back! ATEC is the main game in town & membership gives us the opportunity to mix & learn from the best & most experienced operators in the industry. If you’re serious about the tourism industry then you can’t afford not to be involved."

Craig Wachholz
General Manager
Lets Go Surfing - Bondi Surf School

ROLE OF BTAP

BTAP’s objective is to facilitate an industry platform for the development and growth of the backpacker tourism segment by elevating the policy agenda and providing a unified voice on backpacker issues at all levels of government.

The core goals / tasks of BTAP are to:

Act as the critical link between the backpacker industry, the states and territories and the ATEC National Board and government in the interpretation of segment-specific issues;
Represent the interests of the backpacker segment to the ATEC National Board, industry organisations, government and the community
Facilitate an active and effective policy forum where key industry stakeholders present issues for development and action
Raise the profile of the backpacker tourism segment;
Lead the way in the on-going development of growth strategies to maximise the contribution of the backpacker market to Australia.

THE PANEL:

BTAP members are appointed from the ATEC membership base of operators active in the backpacker segment. BTAP members must be able to address and advise on issues related to the backpacker market and must be able to demonstrate experience and knowledge relating to this market segment. Panelists are appointed for a two-year term.
The BTAP Annual General Meeting is held in November every year.

Please click here to view panel member details

BTAP STRUCTURE:

The panel comprises representatives from the following industry sectors:

Accommodation (two positions)
Tour Operator/Transport (two positions)
Retailer / Wholesaler (two positions)
Media/Communications (two positions)
STO Representative (one position) - nominated by DAMA (Destination Australia Marketing Alliance)
BOA Representative (one position) - nominated by the state and territory BOA’s
ATEC Representative

WORKING GROUPS:

BTAP has four specific dynamic working groups (DWGs) covering Events, Marketing Insights, Policy, and Industry Cohesion. Each BTAP representative is a member of at least one DWG and is responsible for driving their respective agendas.

BTAP MEETINGS

The Panel meets 5 times per year, including one strategy meeting. The meetings are rotated around the country to coincide with major industry events and forums.

BTAP

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