Australian tourism is starting to suffer from the rising Australian dollar with new figures showing how sharply the cost of overseas holidays is falling.
The latest Consumer Price Index data has revealed a 5% drop in international travel costs, compared to a drop of only half that amount for domestic holidays.
The Tourism and Transport Forum says the tourism industry has suffered "a triple whammy" this year.
Executive director Brett Gale says the global financial crisis created uncertainty. He told the ABC "people do not travel when they are uncertain and worried about their job."
Then there was swine flu and now the Australian dollar which is rapidly appreciating. He said this makes it more attractive to go overseas than to stay at home.
Mr Gale says record low international airfares also contribute to the lowered cost of overseas holidays.
