percent jump in tourist arrivals next year after a pleasing 12.1 percent increase this year.

Arrivals could be boosted by the addition of two new US gateway city flights a day to Bermuda, Mr. Woolridge revealed.

But it was too early to disclose the airlines that might offer the flights, he said.

"There seems to be a general improvement in the economy in the US and if that trend continues I'd like to set a target of 10 percent over this year,'' Mr.

Woolridge said.

As of last week, visitor arrivals were up 12.1 percent, he noted. "It was the best year we've had in four years,'' he said. "A total of 506,237 visitors arrived in Bermuda in 1992. That number is up 60,000 as of December 26.'' The latest figures showed that as many as 564,542 visitors poured into Bermuda this year, representing a 12.1 percent increase over the same period in 1992.

The figures were for January 1 to December 26 and marked a continuing tourism upswing for Bermuda.

The tally for 1991 was 514,812 visitors.

This year's arrivals have included 410,054 air passengers, 9.9 percent more than 1992.

Those coming by cruise ship have numbered 153,841, an 18.8 percent rise on last year.

Some 5,712 holidaymakers arrived here, compared to 5,976 for 1992.