The NFL Pro Bowl drew slightly fewer visitors to Hawai'i this year than last year, and they spent less as well.

Direct spending by visitors who traveled here for the annual all-star game fell to $28.03 million this year, a 16 percent drop from 2006, according to a survey commissioned by the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

It was the first time the game was held on a Saturday instead of Sunday in Hawai'i.

A total of 27,625 visitors were among the 50,410 spectators at the game, a survey by Market Trends Pacific Research found. Of those visitors, 20,608 came to Hawai'i specifically to attend the game and generated $2.72 million in tax revenue. That was down from last year when 20,650 visitors came specifically to attend the game and generated $3.23 million in tax revenue.

Hawaii Tourism Authority President and CEO Rex Johnson said he's not clear on what caused the dip in visitors and spending but sees the game continuing as a strong draw for the state.

"All in all, we're very happy with the Pro Bowl again this year," Johnson said. "It still looks like a pretty successful event."

Johnson said the numbers don't show a big change and the state is happy to be host to the game through 2009 with an option for both parties to extend for a year after that to 2010.

Overall, he said the news looked good for the game in Hawai'i. "The TV ratings were up," Johnson said.

He said the national exposure and increased revenue provide a boost.

"In addition to the economic impact, the Pro Bowl provides our local residents with the opportunity to watch, meet and cheer for their favorite NFL all-stars," he said.

He noted that the survey of 500 people who attended the game indicated the visitors spent about a half-day less in Hawai'i than the previous year, with an average stay that dropped from 8.98 days in 2006 to 8.43 days this year. But Johnson said he's not sure if shifting the game to Saturday caused the dip.

Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.