The number of people categorised as coming to Bermuda on vacation has fallen by almost five percent this year.

The Department of Tourism released in-depth statistics for January to September this year which showed that 157,192 people flew in for a vacation compared to 165,308 who flew in during the same period in 2006.

The figures revealed that overall, air arrivals were up 2.8 percent, approximately 6,500, however vacation visitors are not responsible for that increase.

A breakdown of figures shows there has been a 30.5 percent increase in people flying to the Island for business this year, compared to the same period last year.

And the number of people flying into Bermuda to visit family and friends was up 25.4 percent compared to the same period last year.

The figures were revealed after a news conference where Premier Ewart Brown spoke of increased air arrivals and a strong tourism industry.

"I am happy to report that the current state of our tourism industry is consistently strong and the outlook for our tourism industry is consistently strong.

"Air arrivals for the month of September 2007 climbed seven percent when compared to September 2006," the Tourism Minister said.

"Once again increased air carrier competition has produced results on the ground for Bermuda's tourism industry — driving down the cost of air fare for visitors and locals alike."

He added that Delta would be holding offering lower fares for flights to and from New York next spring and summer with one way tickets being for $139, excluding tax.

The figures also revealed that there has been an seven percent increase in cruise ships passengers, over 300,000 cruise visitors have come to Bermuda this year.

In September The Royal Gazette received in-depth statistics for the first time which breakdown visitors' country of origin, reasons for travel and the accommodation stayed in while on the Island.

The statistics were for the months of April to August and also showed similar trends, with a decrease in the number of people coming on vacation and large increases in the number of people coming for business or to see family and friends.

At the time Dr. Brown said: "Through strategic marketing it's our job to create a buzz about Bermuda — get Bermuda on the minds of as many people as possible.

"When those people are making decisions on where to travel, whether to visit friends or for business or for pleasure, we hope they'll choose Bermuda based on the fact that our marketing strategy has convinced them this is the place to be."

Yesterday he did not respond to questions about the tourism industry's apparent reliance on business travellers.