visitors spent a total of $437.9 million, compared to $438 in 1998 and $436.9 million in 1997.

And cruise passengers dug into their pockets to the tune of $41.2 million last year, down from $42.5 million in 1998 but up from $40.8 million the previous year. It drove their per capita spending down to $152 for 1999 -- the lowest since 1989.

According to the Quarterly Bulletin of Statistics, the 1999 total spent by air and cruise visitors was $479.1 million, from $480.5 million in 1998 and $477.7 million in 1997.

Air visitors spent marginally less on food and accommodation, down $300,000 to $288.1 million. But they spent more on shopping, entertainment and food -- from $149.6 million to $149.8 million. During the final quarter of 1999, visitors spent $400,000 less than 1998, from $94.9 million to $94.5 million.