MILAN, Aug 10 Reuters Luxury and travel stocks were among the leading gainers in Europe on Thursday as investors cheered China39;s decision to lift a ban on group tours in the United States and other key markets.

A gauge of top luxury stocks was up 1.9 while the region39;s travel and leisure index gained 1, both outperforming a positive market.

Shares in luxury group LVMH rose 2, while Air France led gains in the travel sector, up 1.9.

China said on Thursday it had lifted pandemicera restrictions on group tours for more countries, including key markets such as the United States, Japan, South Korea and Australia in a potential boon for their tourism industries.

Reporting by Danilo Masoni; Editing by Amanda Cooper

Source Reuters