HONG KONG - Revenue from tourism in Hong Kong slumped more than HK$1.1 billion (US$142.8 million) for the first half of this year, compared to the first six months of 1996.

The free fall in income was mostly attributable to a massive 25.9 per cent drop in spending from the North Asia sector.

In particular, Japanese spending dropped from HK$9.3 billion to HK$6.9 billion for the first six months this year, compared to the same period last year.

Shopping continued to account for the majority of tourist expenditure which fell four per cent, while hotel receipts fell 5.2 per cent.

The average tourist spent HK$6,786 on a visit to Hong Kong, a 7.8 per cent drop compared to the first six months of last year.

A Hong Kong Tourist Association spokesperson said the downturn should be seen in context.

"It is not a huge drop because you have to take into account the fact that last year was an exceptional year.

"This year we saw, even before the end of June, the fall in arrivals, particularly from Japan and also China."