The number of tourists in Rome has increased by almost 25 per cent between 2004 and 2006, according to regional tourism bureau Ente Bilaterale del Turismo. The number of tourists staying in the capitals hotels has steadily increased, rising by 6.6 per cent in 2004 compared to 2003 figures, by 7.7 per cent in 2005 compared to 2004 figures, and by 9 per cent in the first six months of 2006. Whether the 25 per cent increase will hold for the rest of 2006 can only be calculated at the end of the year, but so far hotels are also projecting busy schedules for the next six months.