Despite events of the past year, backpackers are proving to be a resilient and growing market for Queensland, and Brisbane�s world-class Airtrain transfer is proving to be a �backpacker hit�, says Airtrain�s Sonya Duck.

Airtrain, which runs up to four services per hour between the Airport, CBD and Gold Coast, this week paid tribute to the role Sydney travel agents have played in making backpackers one of Airtrain�s most important passenger markets.

All Sydney and Blue Mountain Backpacker Travel Centre staff were treated to an evening full of fun, food and giveaways at the Fiesta on Oxford Mexican restaurant in Bondi this week to celebrate the growing number of backpackers choosing to ride aboard the most competitively priced, fast and frequent Brisbane Airport transfer service.

�We are getting great numbers of backpackers coming to Brisbane from Sydney and discovering the benefits of Airtrain over other means of transport,� Ms Duck said. �We are finding backpackers are being drawn to Airtrain by a combination of its efficiency, cleanliness and the frequency of the new service, but also by the simple fact that Airtrain is the best value airport transfer service available � and this is a critical factor for travellers on a tight budget.

�The evening was our way of thanking our NSW industry colleagues for supporting Airtrain and spreading the word to backpackers about our popular airport transfer service,� she said. �It was also an important opportunity for our friends to learn more about a new range of exclusive packages tailored specifically to meet the needs of our interstate passengers. They are helping spread the word that Airtrain really is more than a clean and efficient airport transfer service, it is a unique traveling experience.�

As part of Airtrain�s commitment to service excellence, customer service officers are available at Brisbane Airport, to assist and direct passengers to the Brisbane or Gold Coast train. Travellers are advised to look for the Airtrain information booth located in the Qantas baggage pick-up area of Brisbane Airport�s domestic terminal for additional assistance and information.

Travellers transferring to the Gold Coast can take advantage of AirtrainConnect and the new SmartPass.

AirtrainConnect offers return rail transfers from Brisbane Airport to the Gold Coast, then an air-conditioned coach shuttle service to the door of all accommodation houses, located between Southport Spit and Burleigh Heads. Whether it�s a 5 star hotel or a backpacker hostel AirtrainConnect is the service to get you there. At just $25 per adult, $15 per child (between five and 14) or $80 for a group of four, AirtrainConnect is great value.

The new SmartPass provides for AirtrainConnect transfers, as well as unlimited door-to-door theme park transfers on the Gold Coast Tourist Shuttle and use of the local Surfside bus network, 24 hours a day. These packages start at $85 per adult for a three-day pass and are available in three, five, seven, ten and fourteen consecutive day packages on a single, easy-to-use voucher.

Airtrain also transfers Brisbane visitors to the CBD for only $9 per adult, $4.50 per child or $22 for a group of four. Sit back, relax and enjoy the 22-minute journey on the Airtrain track nestled up to 12.5 metres above the ground.

For further information about fares and timetables please visit www.airtrain.com.au.

Enquiries Greg Hand Sales & Marketing Manager Ph: 61 7 3211 2855 (option 2) Fax: 61 7 3211 2345 Mobile: 0419 736 007 e-mail: greg@airtrain.com.au