The Bermuda Hotel Association announced that September occupancies were 66.7 percent -- compared to 64.5 percent for the same month last year.

But the slight improvement does not suggest an upward trend -- according to the Bermuda Hotel Association's predicted occupancy levels up to Christmas.

The percentage figures for October, November, and December are respectively: 59.6; 46.8; and 12.6.

Final occupancy levels for the same three months last year were, respectively, 75; 49.2; and 23.5.

BHA president Mr. David Dodwell said the projections indicated the unsettled and unpredictable nature of the tourism market.