Ministry's Airport survey for the spring quarter showed.

According to Tourism Minister the Hon. CV (Jim) Woolridge, visitors "continue to aim most of their criticism at the cost of things in Bermuda and about our lack of exciting night life''.

This was despite the finding that 76 percent "agreed strongly'' that "overall I really got my money's worth'' .

Fourteen percent "strongly agreed'' Bermuda had "an excellent night life''.

But there was no category for "okay'' or "good'' night life.

The Minister released the spring returning visitor survey results yesterday with an accompanying statement.

After declining last year, the total level of unfavourable comments increased in spring 1994 from 48 percent to 53 percent.

However, the content of the visitors' negative comments did not differ from last year, Mr. Woolridge said.

About one in four comments continued to revolve around the financial aspects of the trip. Transport and activities/facilities were other areas which were negatively commented upon.

On the positive side, visitors continued to come from a well-educated and affluent sector of the American community, Mr. Woolridge noted.

They also continued to want to come back to Bermuda at a high rate.

On the whole, the Minister said, they were pleased with their holiday here, especially the way Bermuda makes them feel welcome and its beautiful beaches.

"Bermuda cannot do a great deal about how expensive it is to vacation here, because the costs are largely beyond our control,'' Mr. Woolridge said. "What all of us can do, however, is try to add value to a Bermuda vacation by being better at what we do.

"We need to be friendlier. We need to give better service. We need to constantly improve our hotels. In all, we need to give better quality than competition if we are going to stay ahead of the game.'' Visitors rated Bermuda significantly higher this year for being uncrowded (82 percent vs. 76 percent), having excellent golf and tennis facilities (50 percent vs. 44 percent), and being easy to get to (94 percent vs. 90 percent).

However, they rated Bermuda significantly lower for having great sightseeing.

Some 67 percent vs 87 percent last spring were pleased with the Island's sights.

The survey further showed trip characteristics did not change much between spring 1993 and 1994.

Vacations remained the primary reason for visiting Bermuda. Parties of two remained the predominant size travelling to the Island, mostly a married couple.

And after being constant for three years, the annual income of spring 1994 visitors increased significantly, from 33 percent to 41 percent for visitors with incomes of more than $75,000.

Other findings included: Over half spring 1994 visitors continued to be 30-49 years-old.

There was a slight decline in the length of stay (12 percent compared to 16 percent stayed for eight nights or longer.

Among the few visitors who indicated a missed activity, it was again most likely to have been a sporting activity.