In China, waiting for a tourist peak after the epidemic of coronavirus
The first tourist peak in 2020 after the coronavirus infection is expected in China May Day holiday weekend, which will last five days, according to a report by Chinese travel agency Ctrip.
Coinciding with the gradual easing of travel restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the five-day holiday weekend in May is a landmark event in the recovery of the tourism sector.
The authors of the report noted a new trend in the model of travel after the epidemic. To prevent crowds, the administration of popular tourist attractions introduced bookings and limited the flow of visitors to 30% of the maximum.
Travelers have shifted from traveling between regions and abroad to local tourism.
The authorities adopted a package of measures to support the tourist segment, more than 20 provinces and cities issued tourist vouchers for residents, opened 4,000 tourist attractions specifically for the May holidays.
People mostly make four-day trips to nearby areas. Most tourists leave from Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Beijing, Chongqing, Xi'an, Changsha.
The number of bookings for small tour groups from three to six people, three to four-day trips, bookings using a private car and a guide has increased.
Car rental is now the most popular trend, the number of bookings reached 70% of the figure in 2019, especially popular local guides.
Now 55% of tourists booked four and five-star hotels, of which 52% are men. 48% are women.
Youth under 30 are the main driving force of the tourist segment during the May holidays, accounting for 57% of all bookings.
“The pandemic has been a huge challenge for all of us. However, tourism is a viable and important industry and, coinciding with the easing of connectivity restrictions in China, the shift to new, innovative tourism models is a promising driving force over the coming weekend, said James Liang, Trip Group CEO.
Earlier, the authorities of many provinces and cities of China, including Beijing, reduced the level of response to emergencies announced in late January due to the epidemic, lifting strict quarantine measures, which also encouraged residents to travel. The authorities emphasize the importance of implementing preventive measures to prevent the spread of the disease again.
Source: ria