Dublin ranked among the top 20 cities outside North America last year in an index of revenue per hotel room. The results of a hotel sector performance survey released yesterday by Deloitte showed Dublin ranked 16th in 2006.

Revenue per room averaged €98, a 15.7 per cent increase on the 2005 result, pushing Dublin 19 places up the rankings. The top slot in the index was taken by Venice, which scored €157 per room. Dubai was knocked into third place by Rome.

Europe dominated the index of 165 cities outside North America, with 12 of the top 20 positions in the revenue per room index. Along with Dublin, Edinburgh also re-entered the top 20 this year with the other positions secured by cities such as Rome, London, Moscow and Geneva.

Commenting on the results, Mary Gara, Deloitte director, consumer business, said: "It is not surprising to see Dublin re-enter the top 20 in 2006. Dublin has experienced significant growth in both business and leisure travellers in the past year. And based on current trends, these numbers will continue to grow during 2007 and beyond . . . In fact, recent estimates show that business tourism could be worth €1 billion to the Irish economy over the next six years, and there is a very definite need for more hotels to accommodate this demand.

"Of course, when looking at 2006, we must note the substantial contribution made by the Ryder Cup," Ms Gara said.

"In total, the event contributed €143 million to the Irish economy. Of this €128 million was invested in the Kildare and Dublin region, which most certainly contributed to Dublin's ranking in this year's index."

In terms of occupancy, Europe secured eight places on the occupancy index in 2006, with Dublin achieving 18th place with a 78.4 per cent occupancy rate, up 3.3 per cent from 2005.

Deloitte said that overall the number of international tourists in 2006 was 842 million, an increase of 36 million on the previous year. Europe received 458 million visitors during the year, according to Deloitte.

It said many governments are pouring huge amounts of funds into tourism development. The Gulf region now attracts more than 5 per cent of the world's tourists.