Chances are, when you travel to Australia’s remote and not so remote regions, you’ll end up talking to an Italian. And I don’t necessarily mean a tourist, but someone who is taking your coffee order, cleaning your room or pouring you a drink at a bar. Australian hospitality just wouldn’t function without the young, international workforce here on Working Holiday visas.
It’s one of the nicest things about travelling in Australia. Young travellers from around the world head to remote areas of Australia to fulfil their working visa obligations. Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland Over the past few weeks, I’ve been to Far North Queensland and the Kimberley, and the entire time I’ve been greeted by cheery Italian, Irish, French, Spanish and British accents, with some South African and Belgian thrown in.
Most workers are under 30 and working long hours at the hotels and resorts I’ve stayed in. In fact, in some places management seems to have left them to run the place, they seem so much in charge. These bright and energetic immigrants have made my visits so much happier.
Even if their hospitality skills are sometimes a bit below par, they make up for it with enthusiasm and charm. If you ask, they’re happy to talk about their hometowns, about their plans and stories of where they’ve travelled and where they’re going next. Without young people on student or working holiday visas, who would be there to serve your drinks? Credit: Getty Images Their enthusiasm fo.