Backpackers from around the world visit, work and live in London, but very few backpackers visit the East of England – it’s time to change all that.

It’s estimated that over 90% of all backpackers travelling the world visit London at some point during their travels. Despite the proximity to London, the East of England fails to draw in backpackers. In the whole of the East of England there are less hostels than in Newquay (Cornwall), yet the East of England has just as much to offer as the South West and other backpacker hotspots. Residents and regular visitors to this fine region already know that there is a surfing culture, other excellent watersports, beautiful countryside, superb arts, thousands of years of history, tasty food, quaffable drink and so much more, with a short journey time from London.

The backpackers who do travel out of London to other location in the UK, primarily travel to Scotland, Wales and the South West. Jason Borthwick is developing this marketing group to divert backpackers into the East of England.

“We have everything that backpackers are looking for in this region, but without shouting from the right rooftops we’ll never attract significant numbers of them into this beautiful part of the world.” said Jason Borthwick. “The East of England Backpackers Network is about linking all those great organisations that already exist and putting them under the noses of the backpackers in London. The East of England offers everything I was looking for when I backpacked the world and I know this group will be a success, we just need to get enough organisations involved and shout loudly enough about this great region.”

The Network want to hear from organisations who would consider joining. If you are interested all you need to do is fill out the 2 question questionnaire at:

www.surveymonkey.com/eastofenglandbackpackers

“The backpacker industry could be worth millions to the East of England. Not only will existing businesses benefit from a new market for their services, but this group will be a catalyst for the startup of many new backpacker hostels, other accommodation, travel, activities and attractions. With a kick start, we can really put the East of England on the backpackers map and expand the tourism industry in a whole new way.”

An application is being submitted to EEDA for grant funding to start the marketing group. If enough companies express an interest, then around £50,000 of grants could be unlocked and the East of England Backpackers Network could launch in January 2011.

Part of the development will include a design competition with the students at Norwich University College of the Arts to develop a marketing name, logos and other marketing materials.

Over 50 organisations have already expressed an interest in being involved. These include: Essex County Council, Harlow International Hostel, National Trails, Clippesby Hall, BeWILDerwood, Youth Hostel Association, cycle hire companies, museums, Awayadays tour company.