two percent increase on 1992.

And 54,017 visitors arrived between January 1 and April 4, which is 4.4 percent up on last year.

It reflects a marked rise in numbers for the first four days of this month.

Government is hailing an improvement in arrivals over the last six months, reversing a downturn.

A Finance Ministry spokesman said assessment of tourism trends was only possible over extended periods.

There was an encouraging 22.5 percent increase in visitors for the week ending April 4 -- but it was important to keep it in perspective, said the spokesman.

"Comparison of weekly figures should be done with caution since they can be subject to many variables, such as a large conference or the incidence of a public holiday.'' He added: "Therefore, though interesting, the weekly figures are of limited value when taken in isolation.''