Visitors Spent More

An estimated 37.5 million visitors came to Orange County last year, about the same as in 1996, but they spent a little more, according to a new survey released Thursday by the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau.

Overall, tourists spent a record $5.6 billion, a 2% gain over a year ago, the bureau said. Meals and beverages accounted for 29 cents of every tourist dollar spent, while lodging consumed 25 cents, entertainment 23 cents, and shopping 18 cents.