Queensland a bloody rip-off!

According to a recent news article, backpackers are getting the hump with being ripped off by shoddy tour operators in Queensland. So much so that tourism numbers have taken a hit.

The thing that stood out for me about this article was the power of word of mouth. Through message forums, travel blogs and plain ol' face-to-face, the message is being delivered and travellers are spending their money elsewhere.

While I'm loathe to see government interference in this industry, clearly there has to be some action taken to repair the state's reputation. Obviously the traveller traffic is not going to dry up completely, but we have to make sure they have a good experience since it's apparent it effects how many follow behind them.