The organisation surveyed 295 tourism operators; 30 per cent of those from the North.

Operators collectively rated their business confidence 95 out of 100, which was a dramatic jump from the score of 28 three years ago.

Thirty-five per cent of operators reported business performance up to 20 per cent greater than the year before, and just under 25 per cent of operators reported a performance boost greater than 20 per cent.

Less than 10 per cent reported business decline of more than 20 per cent.

Sixty per cent of regional business predicted a winter season similar to last year, while 17 per cent hoped for better.

Seventy-five per cent of all survey respondents had a positive outlook for the next 12 months.

Almost one-third of those survey respondents willing to express optimism were accommodation providers.

Peppers Seaport Hotel reservations manager Tash McCulloch said the hotel had enjoyed its best month on record in March since it opened 10 years ago.

She put the rise in stays down to drawcard events over weekends, and increased business conferences during the week.

Ms McCulloch said the hotel was holding good winter booking figures.