Where do visitors of international students stay: Accommodation preferences

This paper presents the findings of a research project on the role of international students as 'pull factors' in attracting family/friends to Perth, Western Australia (WA). Results show that 64% of intentional students who responded to the survey questionnaires indicated that they had at least one visitation (49%) from various family members and/or friends while they are studying here. Visitors of these students most frequently mentioned were friend/s (27%) both parents (27%) mother (12%) and sisters (7%). The main purpose of these visits was to see the students (45%) while 24% of respondents also indicated the visits were to 'see Perth'. Visitors mainly stayed in self-contained apartments (55%) staying eleven nights on the average. A great number of those who visited students also took time to see other parts of WA. The results indicate the crucial role of international students as 'pull factors' for Implications for tourism international international tourism. marketeers are presented.