Failte Ireland says that in the first seven months of this year, overseas visitor numbers appear to be running around 5% ahead of the same period last year.
But it adds that tourism businesses throughout the country are having mixed fortunes.
Failte Ireland's Tourism Barometer survey, which takes opinions from businesses across the country, shows that all accommodation sectors are reporting that business is generally down on the same period last year.
The B&B and guesthouse sector is particularly pessimistic. Hotels, hostels and self-catering operators are faring better.
But there was better news for coach operators and car hire companies, with 60% and 40% respectively reporting an increase in business.
Failte Ireland said businesses were particularly concerned about the British market, believing high prices and the smoking ban were affecting the performance.
Chief executive Shaun Quinn said those travelling to Ireland were tending to spend less time on the ground, meaning less time to spend money and travel around the regions.
'This survey also serves to put a health warning on visitor numbers as the definitive indicator of well-being in our industry,' he added.
He was speaking as the agency held a Business Tourism Workshop in Dublin in a drive to attract more of the €40 billion corporate and incentive travel market.
