Australia still popular for gap year

Gap-year students are still heading down under for their year abroad as Australia remains as popular as ever with travellers, a travel expert has stated.

Tom Griffiths, founder of Gapyear.com, noted that the country had seen a slight fall in popularity with gap-year travellers over recent years, but its attractiveness has surged following recent changes to visa laws.

Those visiting the country can now apply for a two-year working holiday visa, which has encouraged 'good activity in the Australian market,' Mr Griffiths said.

Under the rules of the visa, working must be incidental to the main purpose of holidaying with travellers unable to work for more than six months with one employer.

'STA Travel has reported record numbers of long-haul round-the-world tickets for 2007 and Australia is the number one destination,' he remarked.

Across the Tasman Sea, New Zealand is also seeing a boost in popularity after a hefty marketing campaign, Mr Griffiths noted.

'As a destination, New Zealand has huge appeal,' he added.