Tourist arrivals grew by 1.2 percent to reach 149,491 in July, the NSO said today, contradicting reports that arrivals declined last month.

The increase reflected a rise in the German, Spanish and Russian markets, while tourists coming from the UK, the USA and France decreased.

Total nights spent increased by 5.2 percent when compared to the same month in 2007. Year on year, total nights spent in private and collective accommodation increased by 12.1 and 2.1 percent respectively.

Tthe average length of stay was 10.0 nights, up by 0.3 nights when compared to July 2007.

Tourist arrivals in the first seven months of 2008 reached 726,804, an increase of 11.9 percent over the corresponding period a year ago.

The growth was mostly from the German, Italian and Spanish markets. On the other hand decreases were recorded in the American, Libyan, and Swiss markets.

The largest age bracket comprised tourists aged 45-64, albeit the strongest increase was attributable to the 25-44 age bracket. Total nights spent increased by 7.0 per cent when compared to the same period in 2007. Nights spent in private accommodation registered an increase of 12.7 per cent, while guest nights in collective accommodation increased by 5.2 percent.

With regard to collective accommodation the fiveand 4-star hotel categories increased respectively by 8.3 and 2.3 per cent, while the 3-star category recorded a drop of 7.9 per cent. T

Per capita total expenditure was estimated at €768, down by 10.2 per cent when compared to the corresponding period last year