The number of visitors to Northern Ireland is continuing to soar, according to tourism chiefs.
Despite poor weather in the latter part of the summer, 60 per cent of hoteliers have reported an increase in bednights from the same period last year.
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board's latest industry barometer - a survey of 459 establishments, indicates that the strong performance seen in the first half of the year has continued throughout the summer.
NITB Chief Executive Mr Alan Clarke said the outlook for the rest of the year was also optimistic. "In the accommodation sector, hoteliers have reported an increase in bednights with increased demand from Great Britain, Republic of Ireland and overseas markets.
"This is particularly pleasing, given the record performance of 2003. Encouragingly too, demand from the domestic Northern Ireland market has also increased year on year," he added.
The latest survey, which is the second in a series of three to be conducted this year, is based on feedback from the industry between Tuesday, August 31st and Friday, September 10th.
PA