The economic section of the El Caribe reports that hotel occupation has averaged 72.8% through October, in spite of a slight decrease from the figures for September (61.5% against 63.4%). Occupancy is up 12.3% over the 2002 figures, and, according to the Hotel and Restaurant Association (ASONAHORES), only the area of Santo Domingo showed a decrease in hotel use. The Bavaro-Punta Cana area continues to lead in occupancy growth, coming in at 47.1% over last year. During October, the Bavaro-Punta Cana figures were equaled by the Samana area. Other areas with notable growth were Sosua-Cabarete and La Romana-Bayahibe. The Central Bank is projecting total tourist arrivals of over 3 million for 2003. The income generated by the tourists is expected to reach over US$3 billion. The Dominican Republic continues to head the “favorite destination list” in the Caribbean.