A big step for Australia�s international and domestic tourism.

Key industry leaders joined AAA Tourism in Sydney today to launch Backpacker STAR Ratings, the STAR rating assessment scheme for backpacker accommodation.

Officially launched by the Federal Minister for Small Business and Tourism the Hon. Joe Hockey MP, the evening celebrated a significant contribution to Australia�s backpacking industry.

Delivered by AAA Tourism, Australian tourism�s recognised STAR rating body, Backpacker STAR Ratings give backpacker hostels the opportunity to receive a STAR rating for their property. Mark Lucas, General Manager AAA Tourism, says �Backpacker STAR Ratings will be a vital professional, marketing and promotional initiative for backpacker hostels and provide an important national framework for the industry.�

�Backpacker STAR Ratings will help backpackers receive consistent, quality facilities, and will help travellers make the choices that enhance the quality and enjoyment of their Australian backpacking holiday�, says Joe Hockey, Federal Minister for Small Business and Tourism.

AAA Tourism currently provides consistent, international standard, STAR rating assessments for the hotel, motel, apartment, bed and breakfast and caravan park sectors, �STAR ratings have been proven to offer real value to a wide range of accommodation providers and we are pleased to be extending this service to the Backpacker industry,� says Mr Lucas.

Created specifically for backpacker hostels, the Backpacker STAR rating assessment scheme reflects the particular characteristics of the industry, �The feedback and suggestions of industry consultation groups as well as consumers were essential in the scheme�s development,� Mr Lucas says.

The Backpacker STAR Rating Assessment Scheme provides a national framework for backpacker hostels. Mr Lucas believes that this will be valuable for both sides of the industry, �A hostel owner will be able to identify a consistent standard for their market and travellers will be able to choose their accommodation with confidence as they travel from state to state.� Other benefits of a STAR rating include the opportunity to receive independent feedback, maximise promotional opportunities and meet customer expectations.

Under the assessment scheme, a STAR rating will be awarded based upon the facilities, maintenance and cleanliness provided. Depending upon the points scored, they will then receive a STAR rating of between one and five STARS. �Backpacker STAR Ratings is a world leading initiative�, says Joe Hockey, �We are one of the first countries in the world to develop a STAR rating scheme for backpacker accommodation. It is recognition of the importance of the segment to Australia�s tourism industry and to Australia�s economic growth.�

By providing consistent standards for Backpacker accommodation international tourists confidence in Australia as an attractive Backpacker destination.

A state launch will be held in Victoria on 30 April with the Hon. John Pandazopoulos MP. A regional launch will be held in Cairns on 6 May attended by Mr Bill Calderwood, CEO, Tourism Tropical North Queensland.