Most of the new visitors are from Europe, she said. "They're all staying at very high-end properties," Buffo said.
Visitors from other countries are finding their money is buying more U.S. goods and services than it did a year ago.
After slipping for months, the dollar fell to record lows against six major currencies this month, reflecting the nation's weak economy.
The county's hotel tax receipts for the third quarter of 2007 were 9 percent above 2006. The exchange rate might not be the entire reason, but it's a factor, said Michelle Heston, who handles public relations for Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa.
