The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) has called on politicians to be wary of capping the number of international students after research showed any move to restrict visas would damage the wider tourism industry.

Eight out of ten students attract at least one overseas visitor to Australian shores during their stay, according to a study by the Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre.

Both sides of the political divide need to fully understand the issue before they bring in any visa restriction, ATEC managing director Matt Hingerty said. "For the first time this report shows the impact of the international student market on the inbound tourism industry in black and white," Hingerty said.

"The  report shows that any change needs to be made with the knowledge of the flow on effects this will have on other sectors of the economy."

While 80% of students have one visitor, 70% expect two friends and two family members to fly to Australia, the report says. Such visitors during a period of continuing challenge for the industry are more welcome than ever, Hingerty said.

"ATEC looks forward postelection to explaining to both sides of politics that decreasing the number of international students will adversely impact the inbound tourism industry," he said.