The official agency for promoting tourism in Portugal arranged last month a four-day visit to the country for representatives of 41 Chinese tour operators, Travel Weekly China reports.

The Chinese travel industry publication says the agency, Turismo de Portugal, arranged the visits so the tour operators could see for themselves what they might offer their customers in China.

The report quotes Turismo de Portugal President Luís Araújo as saying: “For the past two years there has been exciting growth in the number of travellers to Portugal, especially from the Chinese market.”

Mr Araújo said the visits arranged last month might allow Portugal to tap the Chinese market even more.

The Chinese representatives visited the central part of Portugal as well as the city of Lisbon and Oporto, where they attended business-matching sessions with 54 operators of Portuguese tourist attractions and facilities, Travel Weekly China says.