latest Government figures show.

The Ministry of Finance released statistics on the level of spending in Bermuda and overseas for March, compared to March last year.

Residents returning to the Island from overseas vacations and business trips declared goods worth $1.73 million in March, a 24.5 percent jump over the same month last year.

The figures also show that the motor vehicle and service station sectors recorded the strongest growth with sales increasing by more than 15 percent from last March.

However the rise in car sales was partly due to an increased demand for particular models and comes in the wake of slow sales.

According to the statistics the total value of sales in March this year, compared to last year, rose by four percent to $39.3 million. After adjusting for inflation, sales rose 1.9 percent in real terms.

Retail stores fared well as income rose by two percent although some areas fared badly.