Spending by air visitors declined by $4.7 million to $35.1 million in the first three months of the year, despite an increase in arrivals.Government’s Quarterly Bulletin of Statistics said yesterday that the average expenditure per air visitor fell from $1,268 to $1,083 compared to the same period in 2011, as did the average length of stay from 6.2 nights to 5.9 nights.That offset a 2.6 percent increase in air visitors, which particularly saw growth in the 19 years and under age group.Spending on accommodation and food fell 11.1 percent or $3.3 million to $26.5 million while spending on shopping and recreation fell by $1.4 million. Of these purchases, visitors spent roughly one third less on recreational and leisure activities and 12.6 percent less on retail goods such as gifts and souvenirs.In spite of that, hotel gross receipts edged up by $200,000 to $26.1 million as resort hotels enjoyed rises, mainly due to increased alcohol sales. Smaller properties recorded declines in revenues, and room revenues slipped by one percent compared to the first quarter of 2011.Employment in hotels edged up by 30 employees to 2,327 at the end of January. Resort hotels added 48 employees, but this was offset a by a fall of 17 workers in cottage colonies and housekeeping units.Government said three cruise ships visited the Island carrying 2,719 passengers in the first quarter of 2012. This surpassed the level reached in 2011 when only one ship visited with 675 passengers. Total expenditure by cruise visitors was estimated at $600,000 compared to $100,000 for the same quarter of the previous year.