A BROCHURE detailing routes and accommodation for backpackers visiting the Eastern Cape is being prepared for the Adventure Expo in Australia and New Zealand and the World Backpackers' Conference in Sydney, Australia, in November 2002. The brochure is being put together by Backpacker Tourism South Africa (BTSA) and the Eastern Cape Tourism Board. BTSA Eastern Cape chairman Dave Malherbe says the Eastern Cape, including the Wild Coast, was growing in popularity. “Backpacking appeals to the more adventurous spirit - the tourist who doesn't want the average tourism experience, but a 'real' experience.” The benefit to the province was that backpackers, who save on accommodation, are happy to spend on “hikes and tours, eating, buying beadwork and local wares and crayfish from the fishermen”. This ensures that the spending “directly benefits the community that was being visited”. Malherbe told the Daily Dispatch that backpackers visiting the province reported hearing about the various routes from friends overseas, proving that “word of mouth” was working in positively promoting tourism in the province. According to the ECDC annual report, the Eastern Cape is believed to be the second most popular South African destination for backpackers. Conservative estimates are that backpacking accounts for 100 000 bednights a year in the province.