ABOUT BYATA

Since 2003, BYATA has been the independent voice of the backpacking and adventure travel industry in New Zealand.

BYATA has over 140 members from across the Tourism Industry ranging from accommodation providers to tour operators. Large multinationals to owner operated businesses.

Youth visitors (those aged 18-35) make up 31% of all international holiday visitors to New Zealand contributing over $2.2bn per year. It’s this common, dynamic and high value market that brings such our diverse and talented membership base together.

Our mission is to enhance the commercial viability of members by advocating for the backpacker, youth and adventure tourism sector.

Our vision is for our sector is to be the strongest within the New Zealand tourism industry.

Download a copy of BYATA’s Strategy Plan 2025–2029

Kiwi Experience

Our objectives:

  • To promote and protect the interests of our members
  • To facilitate the expression of members' opinions on relevant issues by providing an avenue to approach government departments and authorities;
  • To establish and maintain relationships with other sectors within the tourism industry and the Tourism Industry Association;
  • To be a voice for the backpacker, youth and adventure tourism industry in New Zealand
  • To liaise with Tourism New Zealand, regional tourism organisations and government organisations both nationally and internationally
  • To cooperatively market New Zealand in conjunction with other tourism and government organisations
  • To engage in any other initiatives and projects that will further the goals and objectives of members.

Quick facts:

  • Youth Tourism is the term used to describe holiday visitors aged between 18-35.
  • Backpackers are a subset of Youth Tourism who use hostels as part of their holiday accommodation choice. 8% of all stays in New Zealand are in hostels
  • The value of international youth tourism to New Zealand is $2.2bn *2018 International Visitor Survey
  • The Global Youth tourism market for 15-29 year old’s is worth $570bn
  • Youth visitors undertake more activities and visitor more regions than any other holiday visitor demographic. They stay longer, do more and visit more places than any other type of visitor.
  • Youth visitors are more likely to return to New Zealand later in life
  • The international competition to attract youth visitors is intense. New Zealand only attracts.
  • Working Holiday Visa (WHV) visitors (all under 30yrs) are an important workforce to NZ.
  • 60,000 WHV visited NZ in 2019 of which 30,000 were employed in short term employment and make important contributions to other industries

Read our document here on Backpacker Misconceptions