FEWER overseas tourists are visiting Scotland but they are spending much more money, according to official statistics.

The number of overnight stays fell from 325,000 in the first three months of last year to 297,000 over the same period this year, a decrease of about 8%.

At the same time, spending increased by 21% from £148 million to £180m.

The figures were welcomed by Mike Cantlay, chairman of tourism agency VisitScotland.

The agency combined the official statistics with its own survey of UK tourism, suggesting an overall rise. Together, the figures suggest visits increased by 7% and spending grew by 5.9%.

Mr Cantlay said: "The industry is back on the front foot, capitalising on the cold spring in the north, for example, with a remarkable prolonged winter sports season."

Next year will bring opportunities such as the Commonwealth Games, Ryder Cup and Homecoming celebration. "We must keep up the momentum that has been achieved already in 2013, building on these strong visitor numbers, increasing expenditure," he said.

The official figures showed a drop in visitors from North America and other European countries when comparing the first three months of this year with last year.

North American overnight stays fell from 39,000 to 34,000 while European visits fell from 241,000 to 206,000.

Spending by North American visitors reduced from £28m to £20m but increased among European visitors from £84m to £100m.

The overall spending total was further boosted by visitors from other continents who spent £36m at the start of last year and £61m at the start of this year.

The number of visitors from other continents also increased, from 44,000 to 57,000. Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing said: "The rises in expenditure suggest that Scotland is thought of as a destination offering quality experiences and visitors are prepared to spend their money in our hotels, tourism attractions and restaurants as a result."

New air routes, such as links to Canada, will help "open up" Scotland, he said.