China's debilitated domestic tourism industry could be further clobbered by weak consumption during the coming holiday as the masses refrain from travelling far and spending while record numbers of coronavirus cases continue to spur lockdowns across the country.
The three-day Ching Ming Festival, or tomb-sweeping festival, takes place from Sunday to Tuesday, and reports by tourism agencies point to a continued preference for short-distance trips - a trend that has gathered steam as people avoid long-haul trips due to volatile travel restrictions and quarantine mandates.
But tourism consumption can hardly be boosted by day trips, according to Zhou Mingqi, founder of tourism consultancy Jingjian Consulting.
Whereas long-distance trips generally involve money being spent on transport, hotels, meals and souvenirs, short excursions may simply involve buying a ticket to an attraction. Thus, the trend decimates travel spending.
Whereas long-distance trips generally involve money being spent on transport, hotels, meals and souvenirs, short excursions may simply involve buying a ticket to an attraction. Thus, the trend decimates travel spending.
Flight prices are also cratering. The costs of travelling to and from popular destinations such as Beijing and Guangzhou have been slashed through April, reflecting a sharp drop in bookings and signalling bleak prospects for airlines.
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