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'Euro backpackers heading to Kings Cross, Sydney'

(15 Feb 2007)

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An increasing number of European backpackers are visiting one area of Sydney, claim hostel owners in the Australian city.

According to hostel companies in the Kings Cross district, more backpackers from the continent are taking the plunge down under as they shun the United States, reports the Wentworth Courier.

Owner of the Funk House Hotel, Marcus Lenarduzzi, told the publication: "I think the change has come partly because of the Bush Administration, which is a bit on the nose to many Europeans. We have also noticed a lot more women are coming here."

He reported that although fewer backpackers were coming from Britain, changes to visa rules have seen an increased number of travellers from Italy, France and Germany looking for work in the Australian city.

Research conducted by the Centre for Public Health at Liverpool John Moores University and Australia's National Drug and Alcohol Research reported that 943,000 backpackers traveled to Australia in 2003, a rise of 25 per cent from 1999.

Britons were reported to account for about a quarter of these backpackers.

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