The Irish Tourist Industry Confederation has said overseas visitors to Ireland increased by 7% in 2011 - the first increase in four years.
In its end of year review, the confederation also says that growth in the numbers employed in the sector returned, with 6,000 jobs added after seasonal adjustments over the last two quarters.
2011 has marked a turning point for the Irish tourism industry despite the challenging economic outlook.
The Irish Tourist Industry Confederation estimates that arrivals from mainland Europe are up 10% while there has been an 8% increase in visitors from North America.
Demand for escorted coach tours from the USA was particularly buoyant in 2011, with numbers above their peak levels of 2007. In a further boost for the industry, Dublin Port welcomed a record 87 cruise liners this year.
The Irish Tourist Industry Confederation says the industry has proved its resilience but it warns that it is still a long way off the level of demand enjoyed in 2007, the record year for Irish tourism.
