"In 2017, the Horeca channel registered more than 323,000 jobs, 16% more than in 2016," said Carlos Moura, in Lisbon, during the inauguration ceremony of the governing bodies of AHRESP.

According to Moura, in the period in question, the accommodation, food and beverage sectors took on an "important social dimension," with more than 1 million citizens depending on these areas, "which represents 10% of the Portuguese population."

"In 2017 tourism accounted for 7.8% of GDP, generating more than €15 billion, or 20% more than in 2016," he said.

During his speech, Moura also praised "the strength and resilience of the sector" in times marked by recessions and the "entrepreneurial and proactive spirit" in times of greater economic progress.