OTTAWA — Statistics Canada says tourism spending rose 0.9 per cent in the second quarter of the year, with travelling Canadians outspending foreign visitors.

The agency says tourist spending has risen in every quarter since mid-2003, with domestic demand as the driving force. Canadians spent 1.2 per cent more on touring in Canada in April, May and June, while international visitor spending declined.

Although Canadians spent more on travelling, the growth rate was the lowest since the fall of 2006, as a weak economy, slower growth in disposable income and high gasoline prices took a toll.

Spending by Canadians abroad was up slightly.

The number of jobs attributable to tourism edged up 0.2 per cent in the second quarter, as job gains in the food and beverage services industry offset losses in the accommodation segment.