Tourism numbers fell again last year by 0.5 percent, although Tourism Minister Renee Webb said she was confident this season will be a success.

Figures released yesterday show the total number of visitors last year was 487,367 (down 2,299), with a 9.6 drop in the benchmark figure of air arrivals.

Air numbers were down from 283,969 to 256,566 and the overall numbers would have been even worse if there was not a big surge in cruise passengers.

Cruise visitors were up 13 percent at 226,097, although these passengers traditionally spend far less than air visitors staying in hotels.

An additional 4,704 visitors arrived on the Island by yacht, down 959 on 2002.

As the 2001 season was wiped out by the September 11 attacks, 2002 had to improve. To slip back behind the 2002 figure, even by just 2,299 visitors, will be disappointing.

And the increasing reliance on lower-spending cruise visitors will also be a source of worry to hoteliers and some in the retail sector.

Ms Webb said yesterday that concentrating on the core markets identified in the Elliott Ettenberg report, and the increased airlift given from the announcement of new air routes to Florida and Chicago, should give the Island a boost this year.

?Overall, we have had our share of challenges, but it is encouraging to note that the industry showed signs of strength, particularly in the cruise ship sector in the months of November and December,? she said.

?Our overwhelming focus is to bring visitors to our shores and we are concentrating our efforts in boosting air arrivals.

?With 2004 now upon us, we have refocused and rededicated ourselves in accordance with the recommendations of the (Elliott) Ettenberg Report and in the upcoming months, our marketing and promotional efforts will be centred more heavily in our core markets and gateway cities.

?We have already started this trend with the launch of the UK/Europe campaign, which was very successful, and we will build on these marketing efforts for our new gateway cities, which include Chicago, Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale.

?It is my belief that 2004 will see an increase in air arrival numbers, and overall be a positive one for Bermuda?s tourism industry.?

Shadow Tourism Minister David Dodwell was off the Island yesterday and Bermuda Hotel Association president Norman Mastalir did not return calls for comment.

A Ministry of Tourism commentary on the figures stated: ?The first four months of 2004 will still require dedication and hard work, particularly due to the number of hotel beds available still being offline until April at the earliest.

?However, the silver lining in this scenario is the fact that the closed properties should re-open with a better product and better service than prior to Hurricane Fabian.?