Official data indicate that tourism revenue in Portugal increased to €6.9 billion (US$7.99 billion) in the first half of this year, 13.9 percent more than in the corresponding period last year, Xinhua reports.
Citing figures given by the Portuguese Central Bank, the Chinese government-run news agency says tourism revenue grew most notably in February, March and May.
The report quotes Portuguese Secretary of State for Tourism Ana Mendes Godinho as remarking that tourism revenue is growing five times faster than the number of visitors to Portugal.
Some 9.6 million people visited in the first half, 2.6 percent more than a year earlier.
Tourism will keep growing no matter what the season as Portugal continues to attract more visitors, and visitors that are more free-spending, Xinhua quotes Ms Godinho as saying.
