Working Holiday Makers are essential to the Snowy Mountains visitor economy
Working Holiday Makers have long played an important role in Australia’s regional visitor economy. They are not only visitors who travel throughout the country and spend money with accommodation providers, hospitality venues, tourism operators, retailers and other local businesses. They also become part of the regional workforce and the communities in which they live.
For high-tourism regions such as the Snowy Mountains, Working Holiday Makers help businesses meet the significant increase in demand experienced during peak seasons. They take on essential roles across hospitality, tourism, retail and related industries, helping local businesses remain open and deliver the standard of service visitors expect.
Proposed changes raise regional concerns
Recent changes to the Working Holiday Maker program have prompted discussion across the tourism industry.
The Australian Government has announced a new ballot system for second and third-year Working Holiday Maker visas. Applicants will still need to meet existing regional work requirements to qualify for the ballot. The Government has set the second-year ballot at 45,000 places and the third-year ballot at 5,000 places.
Industry organisations have raised concerns surrounding the potential effect on regional tourism destinations and businesses that rely on international workers.
The Australian Tourism Industry Council estimates the changes could result in up to a 43 per cent reduction in longer-stay regional backpackers, placing an estimated $560 million in annual visitor spending and 3,800 tourism jobs at risk.
The Australian Tourism Export Council has also highlighted the broader economic contribution of the Working Holiday Maker market. Industry data cited by ATEC indicates that Working Holiday Makers spent approximately $4.4 billion across Australia in 2025, including around $1.1 billion in regional Australia.
Concerns have also been raised in relation to visa processing times and certainty for prospective travellers. The Tourism and Transport Forum has called for a more predictable process, recognising the contribution Working Holiday Makers make as both visitors and workers.
Fairer recognition for tourism regions
The Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce has long advocated for fairer consideration of high-tourism regions such as the Snowy Mountains.
Our businesses have a substantial need for seasonal workers, but our region offers fewer opportunities for Working Holiday Makers to complete eligible agricultural work than areas with large farming industries. Visa settings need to recognise that work undertaken in tourism and hospitality can be just as essential to the survival of regional communities and economies.
Working Holiday Makers are not simply filling short-term positions. They help local businesses extend their trading periods, manage seasonal demand and maintain reliable services for residents and visitors.
Supporting a genuine 12-month economy
This issue is directly connected to a key strategic intent of the Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct ~ developing a stronger, more diverse and sustainable 12-month economy.
A genuine year-round visitor economy cannot be achieved without a reliable workforce. Businesses cannot extend their seasons, introduce new experiences or invest confidently in growth if they cannot find enough people to operate them.
Working Holiday Maker visas are an important part of that workforce solution. They also bring new energy, skills, cultural diversity and visitor spending into regional communities.
Protecting access to these workers, while developing local employment and training opportunities, will be essential if the Snowy Mountains is to realise its full potential as a year-round destination.
Learn more and view the petition
The Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce is sharing information on a petition calling for the protection of Australia’s Working Holiday Maker visa program.
The petition highlights concerns surrounding the effect that changes to these visa arrangements could have on regional businesses and communities that rely on international workers.
The following articles provide further information and industry perspectives:
- Attractions and tourism sectors call for signing of petition to protect Working Holiday Makers program
- ATIC warns Working Holiday Maker changes could hit regional tourism
- Tourism industry warns Working Holiday Maker visa delays could cost Australia billions
- Working Holiday Makers Power Australia’s Tourism Economy
A petition concerning the Working Holiday Maker and backpacker visa program is currently available online.
View the petition, read the supporting information and decide if you would like to sign.
This is an important conversation for regional businesses and communities as we plan for the future of our workforce and work towards a strong, sustainable 12-month economy for the Snowy Mountains.
Comments
