The National Statistics Office reported yesterday that the number of tourist departures in January was estimated at 51,736, implying an increase of 2.4 per cent over the same month in 2006.

The increase primarily reflected a rise in the number of holiday-makers, mainly from the Italian and Scandinavian markets, contrasted with a decline mainly from France, it said.

The number of tourists staying in collective accommodation establishments registered increases, whereas those using private accommodation were fewer when compared to January last year.

The ongoing frontier survey indicates a nine per cent reduction in total nights spent during January, in the main attributable to shorter stays in private accommodation. On the other hand, nights spent in hotel accommodation increased by 2.8 per cent. Overall, the average length of stay was down by 1.1 nights to 8.6 nights, compared to the same month last year.

Year-on-year, total tourist expenditure is estimated at Lm18.5 million, an increase of 3.9 per cent over the same month in 2006. This increase was underpinned by higher package expenditure and other expenditure.