airport arrival figures.

The number of visitors flying in between February 21 and 28 rose by 13.7 percent to 3,954 over last year.

This follows percentage increases of 7.4 and 0.9 for the previous two weeks.

It backs up Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge's optimism in the House of Assembly this week.

He said the number of visitors had risen five percent between January 1 and February 21.

And he forecast a continuing improvement this year on the strength of a growing United States economy.

Yesterday Government figures showed 350,091 holidaymakers arrived between April 1 1992 and February 28 1993.

This is 723 more, or a 0.2 percent rise, on the same period last year.

Meanwhile, United Kingdom tour operators who promote Bermuda are reporting better booking levels.

Research by the Bermuda Tourism Department revealed a huge bookings rise among some tour operators.

Specialist operators Cadogan Travel and Prestige Holidays are enjoying success, according to the tourism department's UK and Europe director, Mr.

Derek Brightwell.

Bookings for Cadogan Travel were up 196 percent during March-October compared to 1992.

Mr. Brightwell said Prestige Holidays had noticed a 11 percent increase during the summer period, with many late bookings.