Backpackers spend more than tourists

ANTALYA - Doğan News Agency

Backpackers have become an important part of the world tourism industry market, according to the study conducted by academicians. DHA photo

Backpackers, who are generally assumed to stay in cheap accommodation and spend less money, are in fact staying 2.6 times longer than other tourists and spending an average of $972 during their visits in Turkey, according to recent research findings.

The surves is conducted among 807 backpackers in Istanbul, profiling their spending habits. The research results were released at the 13th National Tourism Congress organized in Antalya by the Akdeniz University Faculty of Tourism.

Backpackers have become an important part of the world tourism industry market, according to the findings. More than half of the backpackers visiting Istanbul were women and most of them were single. Most of the backpackers visiting Istanbul were under 30 years old and from Germany, Australia, France, the U.S. and New Zealand.

Average 11.5 days
According to the survey, the backpackers were staying in Turkey around 11.5 days and in Istanbul around six days. In addition to Istanbul, the backpackers spend their holidays in Turkey largely in Kapadokya, Gallipoli, Efes, Pamukkale and Antalya. The results and recommendations aspect of the research noted that backpackers constitute 30 percent of world tourism and they mostly prefer destinations such as Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam and Thailand. Turkey was also one of the most popular destinations chosen by young backpackers, according to the findings.