MEDIA RELEASE – Sydney, 3 June 2025

Tourism Australia, in conjunction with the Backpacker & Youth Tourism Advisory Panel (BYTAP) and the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC), is proud to announce the winner of the 2025 youth-sector focused development scholarship.

This annual scholarship is designed to increase distribution engagement as well as develop the capability of a future leader in the sector. Based on ATEC’s ELITE program, the winner will receive:

• 1-year ATEC membership for the employer organisation
• One place in the ELITE program, including mentoring by Kristy Malapa, Industry Relations Manager and youth sector specialist at Tourism Australia.
• Participation in ATEC Meeting Place taking place in Perth in October 2025 including participation fees, flights and accommodation.

Following competitive assessment of a strong field of candidates, the winner is announced as Charles Kinzbrunner, from Drifter – a new hybrid hotel-hostel network across Australia and New Zealand located in strategic sites from the bustling streets of Surry Hills in Sydney, to tropical Cairns, trendy Melbourne, and the heart of Canberra.

Charles’ journey with Drifter has included developing the brand’s essence in locations from Victoria to Queensland. According to Drifter’s Director of Partnerships, Alex Hill, Charles’ passion for human connection is embedded in the guest experience he creates every day, thriving on cultural exchange, and fostering an environment where ideas, stories and experiences are shared among guests and hosts. This not only makes him a great host, but a genuine ambassador for Australian tourism. Alex also notes that Charles is an emerging leader, striving to develop Drifter’s team culture through empathy, accountability and an infectious sense of purpose – to give every traveller a reason to fall in love with Australia. While already achieving strong outcomes, Charles knows there’s still much to learn and actively seeks mentorship, asks questions, and absorbs knowledge with hunger and humility. This scholarship will therefore be truly transformative, giving him access to broader perspectives and structured development, helping Charles to evolve from a strong operator into a strategic leader.

BYTAP’s chair, Peta Zietsch, congratulated Charles on becoming the second recipient of the annual Scholarship. “Charles’ passion and enthusiasm for the youth tourism sector really shone through in his nomination by Drifter, and we have no doubt he’ll make the most of this opportunity”.

Congratulations, Charles!