The COVID-19 has significantly impacted the Australian tourism industry in the past year. In 2020, the industry lost over 36 billion dollars, predominantly from the lack of international visitors. Associated industries reliant on tourism have also suffered, with the horticulture industry estimated to have lost around 26,000 workers.

The unpredictability of the pandemic and its impact on international travel has also led young people to ditch plans to travel overseas. As a Year 12 student, I saw an opportunity to address both these issues with one solution. To solve the issues created by the lack of tourism while also allowing students to undertake a fulfilling Gap Year.

My solution is a campaign, communicated through a video and website, promoting young people to customise their Gap Year with options for experiencing New South Wales. The system allows users to combine travel, education, work and volunteering opportunities when creating their Gap Year plans. On an interactive map, they can browse short term upskilling opportunities at TAFE, employment in regional fruit picking, visiting travel destinations and undertaking volunteer work in smaller communities. Young people can pick and choose from the different elements available so that they can travel, build up their resume, acquire new skills and think about what they want to do in the future