A person uses a GPS to locate Notre-Dame Basilica in Old Montreal. Canada has had seven consecutive quarterly increases in tourism spending. Ryan Remiorz/Canadian Press

Tourism spending in Canada edged up 0.1 per cent in real terms in the first quarter, as increased spending by Canadians at home offset lower tourism spending by non-residents.

Statistics Canada reports it was the seventh straight quarterly increase in tourism spending, which has risen 6.5 per cent since the second quarter of 2009.

Tourism spending by Canadians at home increased one per cent in the first quarter, continuing an upward trend that began in the second half of 2009.

The agency says outlays on passenger air transport, the largest spending category, advanced 2.4 per cent, contributing the most to the overall increase.

Spending was also higher in accommodation and food-and-beverage services, while spending on other tourism commodities — including recreation and entertainment and travel services — fell one per cent.

Spending by international visitors in Canada declined 3.5 per cent in the first quarter, following five consecutive quarterly increases.