The Lochaber business economy is bouncing back from the recession after most sectors reported an increase in business over the past year.
A minority of the businesses polled by the Outdoor Capital of the UK marketing group said that their figures had remained the same, ending fears of a downturn in the area as a result of the UK-wide financial crisis.
A report based on figures for August shows that 87% of activity providers and visitor attractions were up in business compared with last year.
And 63% of those who were doing more business said the increase was more than 20%.
A spokeswoman for the team who produced the report said: “This is double last month and a reflection of the strength and success of elements of our tourism industry.”
There was also good news from accommodation providers who reported that room occupancy levels for August were high.
The spokeswoman added: “As is to be expected, room occupancy levels for August were high, with 96% having 81-100% occupancy, and the remainder having 61-80%.
“This is higher than last month which is very positive considering the temperamental weather we experienced in August.
“For nearly half (46%) of accommodation providers this represents a better performance than August 2012. Just over half felt the occupancy levels were the same.”
Fort William Chamber of Commerce chairman Don Hind said: “I am delighted that things are improving in the town. It’s a great vote of confidence in the business community of Lochaber.”
The report added that VisitScotland recently spent £7million on a joint marketing campaign with Disney for the film Brave, which is set in the Highlands, and is predicted to generate £120million for Scotland’s economy.
About 82million people in the UK, North America and Europe saw the TV advert.
Jamie McGrigor, MSP for the Highlands and Islands, said earlier this month that he noted an increase in wealthy tourists from Brazil, Russia, India and China to the Highlands.
The report was based on 37 responses from members of the OCUK and Fort William Chamber of Commerce.
An appeal was also made by both organisation for more members to respond to the next questionnaire.