You’ll never guess the newest Australian attraction that’s luring international travellers to our shores.
It’s not cuddly koalas (cuddle one, I dare you), it’s not our beautiful beaches, killer cafés, giant red rocks, national parks, wonderful wildlife or ripper road trips.
No, the newest Australian attraction is, according to the ABC, our slumping dollar.
Australia enjoyed record tourism last year. Over 9 million international tourists hit our shores and, due to a fall in the Aussie dollar, more are expected this year and in future.
“It’s not a cheap place to visit, so any drop in the dollar is going to help,” said Tourism Transport Forum (TTF) chief executive Margy Osmond.
“It may mean we see more people dispersing outside the major capitals and staying a bit longer.”
And the flailing dollar isn’t deterring us from heading overseas either, with Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures showing increasing numbers of Aussies heading overseas last year.
According to the TTF, the dollar doesn’t have the last say on when to travel.
“It’s all about the mortgage,” said Ms Osmond. “That’s the thing that changes their mind in so many instances – that combined with the falling dollar will make it less attractive to go overseas.”
Does the dollar influence your travel plans? What is the main influence for getting you out the door?
Related articles:
Where the Aussie dollar is strong
When a dollar is worth more
Cheap destinations for solo travel
