Canadian tourism spending turned positive in the third quarter, ending the longest losing streak since the 1990’s as spending by Canadians made up for a decline in cash spent by foreign visitors.

Tourism spending in Canada grew 0.3%, marking the first increase in five quarters, Statistics Canada said Monday.

Spending was higher across all major tourism categories, including local tourism, or travel within Canada, which was up 0.9%.

But it wasn’t all good news for the Canadian tourism industry.

Spending by international visitors fell 2.4% for the quarter, marking a seventh consecutive decrease. Recreation and entertainment services showed “weakness” during the quarter, StatsCan said.

International tourism dollars pumped into the Canadian economy now stand 15.4% below fourth quarter 2007 levels.

The number of overnight travellers to Canada from the U.S. and abroad was down 1.7% for the quarter, while same-day travel fell 8.6%.

There may be a silver lining for Canada’s economy and the tourism industry however.

Tourism gross domestic product expanded by 0.4%, marking the first increase in five quarters. Strength came from renewed activity in air transportation and accommodation services, StatsCan said.