this time of year, the latest Bermuda Hotel Association figures show.

The numbers, released yesterday by BHA president Dennis Tucker, also show that October figures for overall occupancy were flat compared to figures for the same month in 1997 but remained above those recorded in 1996.

As of November 1, 1998, projected occupancies for this month stood at 44.7 percent in comparison to 53 and 47.2 percent at the same time during 1997 and 1996 respectively.

December occupancies as of November 1 were projected at 18.6 percent. As of November 1, 1997 and 1996 this figure stood at 20.8 and 18 percent respectively.

And looking ahead to January, overall projected occupancy as of November 1 stood at 15.6 percent. At the same time in 1997 and 1996, this figure showed projected occupancies of 18.1 and 16.3 percent respectively.

Looking at last month, Mr. Tucker reported: "Hotel and cottage colonies combined achieved a final occupancy of 70.4 percent for the month of October which is the same level attained in October, 1997 and 3.8 points ahead of 1996.''