Hotel Association figures show.

However, hoteliers say booking patterns indicate March, April and May should boast better occupancies than in 1994.

And the average length of stay in February increased from 4.4 days to 4.8 days.

February recorded a final occupancy of 30.8 percent compared to 33.8 percent in 1994, and 34.5 percent in 1993.

Projected bookings of 56.4 percent have been predicted for March and April, while an occupancy of 55 percent has been predicted for May. At this time a year ago, occupancies of 51 percent, 46.4 percent and 52.9 percent were predicted for the same three months. Final occupancies were 61.5 percent, 67.8 percent and 52.9 percent.

"Our projections for the next three months are encouraging when compared to the past two years,'' BHA president Mr. Stephen Barker said.

Meanwhile, at least one local hotelier is determined not to watch bookings fall off again this summer in the event of another round of Caribbean airfare sales.

Pink Beach Club managing director Mr. CW (Toppy) Cowen said he was trying to "get ahead of the game'' by offering major discounts on sixth nights in the peak season.

Between July 7 and September 30, Pink Beach guests will receive a 50-percent reduction on their on the sixth night of their stay. As a further incentive, Bermuda Club Visa Card holders will get a 75 percent discount on the sixth night.

Membership of the card has grown to 15,000 and is expected to nearly double in the next year.

"Bookings for the last couple of years have fallen off in July and August when there have been Caribbean seat sales and we are not the only hotel this has happened to. So this year we are acting now instead of waiting.'' BHA head Mr. John Harvey said he was sure other properties were offering incentive packages as well to boost occupancies.

"We know we have to continue to be creative and meet challenges,'' he said.