Quarter three statistics for 2016 shows that visitors to the island are continuing to spend and contribute to the economic growth of Barbados.

This is according to The Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s quarterly exit survey for the period July to September, 2016.

The survey reported that visitors to Barbados spent 2.6 per cent more during the third quarter of 2016 compared to the same period in 2015.

This showed that visitor expenditure significantly increased by US $4,523 million from the US $177,527 million recorded in 2015.

The average daily expenditure during this 2016 period showed a decline of 1.1 per cent or US $1.50 with US $129.72 compared to US $131.22 for the 2015 period.

Total visitor expenditure grew from US $678,736 million to US $735,441 million during the January-September, 2016, period.

This is a significant increase of 8.4 per cent more spend when compared to the 2015 period.

Chairman, BTMI, Alvin Jemmott explained: “Based on the statistics, we can comfortably look forward to a strong winter performance as these numbers indicate a positive visitor spend trend and we will remain dedicated to ensuring we continue on this track and increase economic growth.”

While the average daily spend showed a slight decrease, the average length of stay remained constant at approximately ten days.

There was also a 6.2 per cent increase in long stay arrivals which compensated for the decline in average daily spend and resulted in an increase in total visitor spend.

Despite Brexit, the United Kingdom remained the market leader as they showed an increase of 9.5 per cent or US $124.74, with visitors spending on average US $146.80 daily in total spend.

Expenditure from visitors from Canada and the Caribbean registered growth of 5.2 per cent and 9.6 per cent respectively.

The United States’ visitors spent US $48 million while on island during quarter three, with Europe at US$8 million and ‘Other Countries’ which include Latin America, Asia and Africa spent US $6 million.

Although these markets saw declines in spend, they still contributed generously to the total overall expenditure.