Source: CCTV.com
12-24-2008 18:16
Special Report: 2009Spring Festival:Year of OxTourists planning to travel during the next year's Spring Festival are ready to take advantage of cheap prices. Lower jet fuel surcharges, as the deepening global economic downturn has pulled down prices of tour packages for the traditional Chinese holiday.
On the back of lower fuel prices, China's top economic planner and civil aviation administration have also cut jet fuel surcharges. The move takes effect on Wednesday.
Under the new rules, surcharges on domestic routes will be lowered from 150 to 40 yuan per passenger for journeys more than 800 kilometers, and from 80 yuan to 20 yuan for routes less than 800 kilometers.
LIANG ZHIYI, Head of Domestic Department, Nanhu Investment, Nanhu International Travel Agency says, "due to the falling fuel surcharges, as well as the global economic slowdown, many five-star hotels have greatly cut room prices. On back of the situation, our travel agency has teamed up with airlines and scenic spots to launch promotions. So prices for our tour packages during the Spring Festival have hit a record low."
In south China's Guangdong Province, tour package prices have been slashed by as much as 40 percent. While in Shaanxi Province, even outbound tours have seen prices decline.
LUO DAN, Staff of Xi'an branch, China International Travel Service says, "our travel agency has lowered prices for Hong Kong and Macao tours by as much as 500 yuan from last year."
As a ripple effect of the global financial crisis, China's tourism sector has seen contracted demand both at home and abroad. To weather the slowdown, travel agencies around the country have begun to offer discounts in the hope of luring more customers.
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Editor:Qin Yongjing
