Consumer spending in France gained 3.3 percent in August, marking the highest jump in seven years, figures from the Paris-based national statistics office showed Friday.

French consumer's spending on manufactured goods such as clothing and electronics, which accounts for about 15 percent of the economy, went up by 3.3 percent over July, when it declined 0.9 percent.

Meanwhile, the purchasing power in France will rise 0.5 percent in 2006, following a kickback of 0.7 percent one year earlier, according to statistics issued on Thursday by France's Economic Information and Prediction Bureau.

The economic growth in other neighboring European countries has boosted tourism in France and the number of European tourists has increased.

According to consultant Protoursime, overnight stays at hotels between July 1 and Aug. 15 rose 3 percent year-on-year, with an increase in upscale hotels.

"It's evident that there's greater purchasing power in France," Finance Minister Thierry Breton told RMC radio Friday.

Source: Xinhua