Travel Nov. 17, 2008 - 05:48AM JST ( 2 )

The loosening of working holiday rules in the UK has been welcomed by STA Travel, a leading youth travel company which says it will boost interest in long haul travel for young adventurers.

The legislative changes would allow 18-30-year-olds from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Japan to work and holiday in Britain for up to two years – a year more than the previous scheme.

The new Tier 5 Youth Mobility visas will also cost less, at just around half the original cost, and for the first time travelers will have no time restriction on how long they work while on holidays.

STA Travel currently sends approximately 30,000 students and young professionals on working holidays each year, and it expects that number to rise under the new visa legislation.