Regional Queensland is struggling to attract tourism workers for this upcoming season.
According to The Outback Queensland Tourism Association, there has been a 30 per cent increase in the tourism sector compared to 2019.
Yvonne Tunney, who runs holiday accommodation in the Gulf of Carpentaria town of Karumba, said local business usually rely on backpackers as there are limited locals seeking casual work.
"It's been increasingly difficult to staff backpackers to run through the tourist season."
"It's definitely making us very nervous," said Ms Tunney.