Athens  - Tourism spending in Greece fell by 17.9 per cent for the first five months of the year compared to the same time period in 2008, officials said Wednesday.

The data is a further indication that the global recession is hurting the tourism industry.

According to data by the central bank, tourism spending in May fell by 24 per cent, to 824.2 million euros (1.17 billion dollars), compared with 1.09 billion euros in May 2008.

Despite discounts and special offers by hoteliers and positive initiatives taken by the Ministry of Tourism to promote Greece as a holiday destination, officials are seeing shorter stays by visitors and less spending.

The government has set aside 75 million euros to promote Greece as a tourism destination - nearly 50 per cent more than what it committed to last year. The increase comes as the tourism industry is facing a crippling season as a result of the worldwide economic crisis.

Greece prides itself on its history as the cradle of democracy and has long used that fact, along with beautiful beaches and sunshine, as a major tourism draw.

Tourism is one of Greece's biggest earners, along with shipping. It makes up about 18 per cent of the country's gross domestic product.

In 2007, the sector brought 11 billion euros and 17 million visitors into the country, making Greece the 12th most popular international destination in the world, according to the World Tourism Organisation.(dpa)