Visitor spending rose in the second quarter of this year compared to 2009, the Department of Tourism announced today.

The department’s Air Arrivals Flash Report states an increase from 2009 when expenditure ranged between $64.9 million and $84.7 million in 2009, to $91.2 million and $113.5 million this year.

Premier and Tourism Minister Ewart Brown announced record visitor arrivals yesterday — air arrivals for the second quarter were the second worst in 30 years while cruise arrivals over that same period were the highest.

“There was good news across-the-board in all areas of the industry including increases in hotel stays as well as increased air, cruise and yacht arrival numbers,” said a Government spokesperson this afternoon.

Although the figures were based on a "slightly smaller sample of visitors" they were still "cause for optimism", the spokesperson added.

For more see tomorrow's Royal Gazette.