China's tourism revenue rose during the Spring Festival holiday and overseas travel has become more popular, the National Tourism Administration said on Wednesday.

Tourism revenue reached 145 billion yuan (23.6 billion U.S. dollars), up 14.6 percent from last year.

The number of tourists during the holiday topped 261 million across the country, up 12.9 percent, the statement said.

Outbound group travel tourists reached 5.18 million, up 10 percent from the same period last year. Thailand remains the most favored destination for outbound Chinese travellers.