

Silke is passionate about the benefits that cultural exchanges can bring to the lives of young people and to their host countries. Originally a Working Holiday Maker herself, and an author for Rough Guides, she’s still a backpacker at heart!

Over this time, Peta has held multiple positions on the boards of both Adventure Cairns and Adventure Queensland and is currently Secretary and Vice Chair, respectively. Peta joined BYTAP in 2022 and is passionate about helping rebuild the youth tourism sector.

Mark was the founder of Hostels Australia which connected the best independent hostels throughout the country. He was previously a member of the Backpackers Operators Association NSW for 6 years and has been a member of BYTAP for the last two years.



Andy joined the Youth Tourism NSW committee (formally Backpacker Operators Association NSW) in 2017 and currently holds the position of Vice President. He took out the ‘Young Industry Legend Award’ at the 2019 Adventure Tourism Awards.


Currently serving as Regional Director for Alliance Abroad Group’s business in Australia, Jennifer is charged with expanding the company’s portfolio of inbound cultural exchange programs that offer working holiday makers, students, trainees and young professionals from around the world the opportunity to obtain a cultural exchange experience in Australia.
Born in Canada and raised in Sweden, Jennifer first landed on Australia’s shore as a backpacker….fell in love with the country and decided to complete her university studies in Sydney. Ever since, Jennifer has been passionately committed to international mobility for young people and of course, promoting Australia as the best destination in the world.
Prior to her current role, Jennifer served as Head of Policy and Destination Development for WYSE Travel Confederation for a number of years and also held positions within in the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) and Tourism Australia.
Jennifer played a key role in the establishment of BYTAP 20 years ago and designed and implemented a range of successful business development initiatives for the Australian youth travel industry.
She is really looking forward to contributing to BYTAP again and supporting the youth travel industry to post COVID recovery.