The region accounts for 23% of Ireland's tourism enterprises.
There were over 15,000 active businesses in the midlands in 2021.
New figures from the CSO show that equated to 4% of the country's enterprises two years, with a national total of over 360,000.
Westmeath accounted for the largest number of businesses at over 6,000, followed by Offaly with 4,500 while Laois is just behind with 4,300.
The region is responsible for nearly a quarter of the country's tourism enterprises, at 23%.
The construction sector saw the largest jump in active businesses between 2017 and 2021, at 23%.
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