Total overseas spending by residents for 2005 reached $60.7 million , an increase of 14 percent or $7.5 million from spending levels recorded for 2004.

Much of this gain can be attributed to the increase in average spending per trip which rose 10.2 percent to $376.61 in 2005, with clothes purchases leading the charge.

Overseas purchases also accounted for a greater proportion of all retail spending by Bermuda residents, in the year, rising from 7.5 percent in 2004 to 8.6 percent in 2005.Local retail sales in 2005 were $641.5 million, a rise of 6.1 percent over 2004, or half the growth recorded in overseas spending.

Resident purchases on clothing reached $27.7 million for the year, 12.9 percent or $3.2 million more than in in 2004.

This spending category was the largest contributor to the overall growth in total overseas spending. Other higher spending levels included electronic and photographic equipment up $467,000 or 9.8 percent to $5.2 million, jewellery and watches up $327,000 or 22.2 percent to $1.8 million and toys and sporting goods up $206,000 or 8.4 percent to $2.7 million.

Spending on computer hardware and software was up $100,000 to $2.5 million and and tapes and compact discs purchases were up $26,000 or 0.8 percent to $3.3 million.

In contrast overseas spending on household items, furniture and appliances declined $736,000 or 20.7 perfcent to $2.8 million , while purchases of tools, machinery and parts contracted $577,000 or 32 percent to $1.2 million during the year.