visitors over last year.

Figures out yesterday show 26,648 arrived on the Island -- compared to 33,365 in 1991.

Air arrivals for the month slumped by a disappointing 23.8 percent to 24,743.

Those from the United States dipped 24.4 percent to 19,276, while those from Canada declined by 14.6 percent.

Three cruise visits, however, compared to the single one in March 1991, meant a steep rise in the cruise sector.

Cruise arrivals rocketed to 1,858, a 106.7 percent increase on last year's figure of 899.

Total for first quarter arrivals is 49,556 -- 15.2 percent less than the 58,441 recorded in 1991.