The number of visitors flying to Bermuda for vacation in October fell by five percent despite a successful PGA Grand Slam and Music Festival

The number of people coming to the Island for leisure in October fell by 5.4 percent, from 15,395 in 2006 to14,564 in 2007.

But the Premier's press secretary Glenn Jones said the drop is not disappointing because data shows that visitors spent more in September and October 2007 than they did during the same period in 2006.

"There's no reason to be disappointed about October," he said, speaking on behalf of the Premier who is on holiday. "Statistical information released this week shows that visitor spending on-island was up an estimated 34% in the fall of 2007.

"That number — an estimated $17 million — is far more important to the economy. The number of visitors doesn't matter nearly as much as the amount of money those visitors are spending when they get here.

"I think anyone with a tourism-related business or a tourism-related job would agree on that point."

The month of October saw the 13th annual Music Festival take place. Over four days thousands of people witnessed great musical talents such as the O'Jays, Lionel Richie, Natasha Bedingfield, Smokey Robinson and Earth, Wind & Fire and Chrisette Michele.

A week later the Island saw four of the best golfers in the world descend on the Mid Ocean Club.

Angel Cabrera beat out Zach Johnson, Padraig Harrington and Jim Furyk as thousands watched on.

The tournament was broadcast around the world — though viewing figures are not available — by TNT. TNT also put together short video clips about different aspects of Island life throughout the tournament.

However, it appears that the two events did not prompt a rise in the number of people flying to the Island solely for a holiday in October. The number of people coming on business jumped 20 percent, to 5,556, and the number of people coming to see family and friends rose 22.7 percent, which Mr. Jones said illustrates that the Department of Tourism is gaining ground.

"I think you'll also discover that people in the friends and family category are really leisure travellers — they certainly aren't here on business.

"So when that's factored in I think you'll notice we really haven't lost any ground in October.

"Also note that October was historic for Bermuda's tourism product because it included the first ever PGA Grand Slam of Golf played outside of the United States.

"Bermuda gained a $7 million media value around the world for that event alone. The true value of that $1.5 million investment is realised in future visitor numbers not past visitor numbers."