New figures indicate the rise in the Australian dollar has not severely impacted on the country's tourism industry.
Latest ABS figures show overseas visitor arrivals were up 3.7 percent for the first nine months of 2007, compared to the same period in 2006.
The figures showed the number of tourists from China was up 14.9 percent, German tourist numbers had increased 6.6 percent and 6.1 per cent more New Zealanders had visited, according to an AAP report.
Tourism and Transport Forum Australia (TTF) managing director Christopher Brown told the wire service that it was ridiculous to suggest that potential tourists were monitoring daily fluctuations in the Australian dollar to decide on their next holiday destination.
Australia primarily targets high yield, big-spending international travellers who are not impacted by the strengthening dollar, he said.
However, Japanese tourist numbers fell 10 percent during the period, continuing a decline that has been blamed on the rising dollar and increasing competition from Asian destinations. - Travelpress travel news
Rising dollar not affecting tourism
