The visit by Pope Francis to Fátima in May this year ploughed an extra €20 million into local businesses.
The head of the regional tourist board, Pedro Machado, said that cash withdrawals between May 9th and 15th at ATMs in the Fatima and Ourém reached a total of €2.3 million.
"The visit of the Holy Father exceeded all expectations. Fátima assumed its status in religious tourism worldwide, bringing pilgrims from all over the world," said Machado.
The Pope’s visit generated €4.5 million in local accommodation income, €1.5 million for the area’s cafes and restaurants and a further €10 in other sales in the Fatima and Ourém area.
Despite horror stories of hoteliers demanding thousands of euros for a room, the accommodation occupancy rate in the area was 86% (up 7% on 2016 for the same period) with an average room price of €93.
"The worst fears about the price of the rooms were not confirmed," says Pedro Machado, recalling the publication of news reports slamming hotels that allegedly were asking €2,000 per room during the papal visit.
