Nomads Redefines Travellers in Billion Dollar Backpacker Industry as "Flashpackers"

 Only in the past few years has backpacking been accepted as a niche segment in tourism & already a new market is emerging. Tagged the “Flashpacker”, this traveller is more slightly more organised & better off financially than its little brother the Backpacker.

Fresh from taking over ‘Legend has it..Westend” (Sydney), Nomads World Hotels now operate the 6 Flashpackers in 3 countries. Industry in Melbourne, Serpent & Cairns Beach House, both in Cairns,  capital in Wellington & Skylodge in Nadi, Fiji. Nomads is proving that the backpacker market is metamorphosing into a new beast: a beast that requires the comforts of hotel travel, with the social and common areas so sought after by backpackers.

Michael Ebert, director of Nomads explains “traditional backpackers can sleep anywhere, they simply arrive & find a place to stay, no pre-booking. They want to challenge themselves with unique cultures & languages. They are focussed on the experience & want it to cost as little as possible. In comparison, our customers are now booking more than 30 days prior to arrival, want better facilities & are not shying away from paying $5 for a beer.”

Last year Nomads sold accommodation in Australia, New Zealand & Fiji to more than 50,000 individuals before they arrived. They booked doubles and twins, ensuites and airport transfers. They chose to stay in hostels such a Nomads Industry, which perfectly defines the phrase “flashpacker”. Pre-booked hostels, virtually unheard of 5 years ago, are a small indication of the changing patterns.

Penny Brand, Nomads Sales and Marketing Manager, fresh from paying US$4 a night in South America agrees. “The backpacker in Australia today isn’t the same traveller that I encountered in South America. Here, they are travelling fresh from leaving their high paid jobs & their backpacks are filled with designer clothes for clubbing.”

Nomads now feature “Flashpacking” properties in Cairns, Melbourne, Wellington, & Nadi-Fiji, with properties in Sydney & Auckland still aimed at the price conscious backpacker.

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