double 1993's number.

They include several medium-sized hotels for the first time. Tourism chiefs expressed delight at how the scheme had taken off. And they hoped to expand it even more next year.

"To have doubled the number is very good news indeed,'' exclaimed Acting Tourism Director Mr. Peter Smith.

He believed the scheme could be a terrific lure for North American visitors.

The five large hotels who took part last year are involved again amid reports the scheme boosted 1993 bookings. These include Elbow Beach, Grotto Bay, Marriott's Castle Harbour, The Princess, and the Southampton Princess.

Also involved this year are Mermaid Beach, Marriott's Castle Harbour, Palmetto Hotel and Cottages, The Reefs, Stonington Beach, Lantana Colony Club.

"To get mid-sized hotels this year is really encouraging,'' said Mr. Smith.

"Those hotels who participated last time were very keen to do so again, and we hope to expand even further next year.'' The scheme runs from January to March.

Under it, each day the temperature does not reach 68 degrees the hotels offer a 20 percent discount on room rates.

The highest temperature between midnight and 5 p.m. will be considered.

And it will be printed the next day on the front page of The Royal Gazette .

The daily high -- supplied by the US Naval Air Station -- will also be recorded (number: 291-2024).

Certain stores will offer cut-price goods once the temperature fails to reach 68. Stores taking part in the scheme will be listed in special "passports'' visitors receive on checking into hotels.

"Passports'' should be taken to the stores, along with separate IDs.

Mr. Smith said the scheme was important in destroying the belief Bermuda was cold during the winter.

"It is based on the assumption that we have a product to sell in the winter.

We know there is a growing group of people in North America for whom 68 degrees is absolutely fine. There are enough people who find that temperature just fine.'' Mr. Smith said the scheme gave travel agents a "strong tool'' in selling Bermuda. "We felt the perception about Bermuda's weather in winter was something that had to be dealt with.'' The scheme is being plugged heavily in the overseas "Bermuda Break'' advertising drive.

"We're so sure you will love the weather in Bermuda this time of year, we're offering our 68 F Temperature Guarantee,'' the ad trumpets.

It adds: "Bermuda January thru March. You're guaranteed to love it.'' Ten of the hotels are featured in the ad. There are brief write-ups on each, highlighting particular attractions.

The ad promotes a hotel price of $130 per person for four days.*l