Euro 2004 to draw 1.5 million visitors to Portugal
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-04-07 10:10

The Euro 2004 soccer championship is now expected to attract 1.5 million fans to Portugal -- three times the original estimate, tournament organizers said Monday.

"When people said more than half a million people would visit Portugal because of Euro 2004 I never believed it," Gilberto Madail, Portuguese Football Federation chief and head of the company running the tournament said at a news conference.

"The estimates we now have say that Euro 2004 should bring over a million and a half people to Portugal."

A total of 1.2 million tickets have gone on sale for Euro 2004, which runs from June 12 to July 4 and is one of the biggest sporting events in the world.

Holders France are among the 16 finalists that have qualified for the tournament, which takes place every four years.

Close

Today's Top News     Top Sports News
Interpretations of HK Basic Law 'timely, necessary'         Cheney's China visit to centre on Taiwan         Aviation sector to open wider         Red light for "feast on a beauty's body"         For sale: coastal islands         Panda cubs by the dozen coming soon	Two-goal Giuly shocks Real Madrid       Gunners shot down by battling Blues       Rockets waive Oakley, activate Cato from injury list       Shanghai Shenhua beaten by Jubilo       Bryant attorneys ask for prompt trial       Euro 2004 to draw 1.5 million visitors to Portugal