Bermuda attracted more air and cruise ship visitors in the last three months of 2015 compared with the year before, but they spent less money.

There were 90,731 air and cruise ship visitors in the fourth quarter compared with 81,009 for the same period the year before, but they spent a combined $56.2 million compared to the $61.3 million of on-island spending in 2014.

For the entire year visitor spending was $333.1 million, down from $347.9 in 2014, and $393.6 million in 2013.

The figures are detailed in the Bermuda Government’s Quarterly Bulletin of Statistics.

Imports to the island fell to $225.4 million during the fourth quarter, with the collapse in the price of oil accounting for much of the 3.1 per cent drop.

Fuel imports during the last three months of the year were down 46.9 per cent.

The value of imports for the machinery commodity group decreased 8.4 per cent and imports of food, beverages and tobacco decreased 7.5 per cent. In contrast, imports from all other commodity groups increased.

Fourth-quarter total imports have fallen from $260 million in 2013, and $232.7 million in 2014.

Employment income was up 1.9 per cent, or $14.3 million, with the hotels and restaurants sector recording the largest percentage increase in remuneration of 6.3 per cent due in part to a larger workforce, and increased wages and tips.

Residents declared overseas purchases totalling $17.5 million during the fourth quarter, which was down 1.3 per cent, although the full year figure was $59.3 million, just over $1 million higher.

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