The final part of 1993, when the project began, was the biggest period for new building work in more than two years.

Latest figures show $63.6 million worth of major projects started in the last quarter of 1993 -- the biggest total since since the first quarter of 1991.

But the industry still has a long way to go, the Government figures reveal.

Construction jobs continued to decline in 1993, reaching a low of 1,747 compared to 2,917 in 1989.

Major construction work put in place in 1993 totalled $49.3 million, compared to $78.9 million in 1992 and $38.9 million in 1991.

And only 211 new homes were built last year, compared to 268 in 1992 and 435 in 1991.

Other highlights of Government statistics up to the end of 1993: A total of 412,473 air visitors arrived in the year, up 10.1 percent on 1992.

Cruise visitors numbered 153,944, up 17.5 percent.

Visitors spent $504.5 million in 1993, compared to $443 million in 1992 and $455.6 million in 1991.

At the end of October, 1993 there were 4,304 people working in hotels -- up 1.3 percent.

The last quarter of 1993 saw a 14 percent boom in residents shopping abroad.

Spending on sports equipment and toys went up 56.5 percent, while the amount spent on computer goods more than doubled.