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Risk vs reality: Australia’s visitor safety reputation and the media

Wednesday, 9 May – 13:30 – 15:00

Travel is not about survival of the fittest, but international media would have you think so with its portrayal of Australia as a backpacker’s nightmare destination. Who exactly is responsible for Australia’s reputation on backpacker safety and how can it be changed? This industry panel will review the current relationship between the youth travel industry and the media on backpacker safety incidents, discuss the main points of contention, and describe initiatives for industry players that support safety improvements for travellers, operators, and the industry’s reputation at large.

Speakers

Sam Badans

Hostel Manager
Sydney Central YHA

Laurie Berg

Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Law
University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
Co-director
Migrant Worker Justice Initiative

David Cox

Youth Specialist
Gold Coast Tourism

Peter Mackey

Director, International Trade
NSW Department of Industry

Brendan McKenna

General Manager, Australia
JUCY Group