North Ayrshire Council is set to build on its recent tourism success by setting out ambitious plans for the future of the area.

Last year, more than 1.1 million visitors travelled to North Ayrshire and Arran, spending almost £133m in the area.

The figures, which have been revealed in the latest Scottish Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM) report, mark a positive increase in tourism spend and visitor numbers in North Ayrshire in 2012, despite an overall drop in tourism across the UK. The increase also highlights that Council, business and partner investment and efforts to boost tourism in the area are already proving successful.

Activities such as sailing and water sports are proving increasingly popular, with North Ayrshire Council committing around £100,000 for the development and promotion of marine leisure and recreation in the area, in the hopes of attracting even more visitors and events such as the recent prestigious Fife Regatta.

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The growth of the 'staycation' appears to have had a positive impact on the number of visitors coming to the area, with Eglinton Park reporting a significant increase in the use of its camping facilities and there has been increased investment in camping and caravan sites across North Ayrshire.

Looking towards future progress and development, plans by North Ayrshire Council and its private and public sector partners include:

• A town centre regeneration strategy to transform and restore North Ayrshire's town centres to their former glory
• The development of harbours and marinas across the area
• A new state-of-the-art leisure centre for Irvine
• The development of an 18-hole golf course, complete with adjoining hotel and holiday homes.

Commenting on the report, North Ayrshire Council Leader Willie Gibson said: "The STEAM figures provide a really positive picture of the steady growth of tourism in North Ayrshire, demonstrating that the hard work being undertaken by the Council, businesses and partners to attract more visitors to the area is proving successful.

"While the figures are encouraging, we must not be complacent and will continue to monitor trends, invest and expand to meet the needs of our tourists, grow businesses and create jobs, to help achieve our vision of positioning North Ayrshire as the place to be."

(JP/MH)