Source: CCTV.com
02-01-2007 16:37
Special Report: 2007 Spring FestivalFor a fast-growing number of Chinese citizens, the Spring Festival break is becoming a favorite time for travel. With the seven-day vacation still two weeks away, the country's tourist agencies are already up to their necks in bookings.
According to major travel agencies in Beijing, outbound tours to Europe and Southeast Asia continue to dominate for Spring Festival. Most of their customers are looking to head out around February 20th, just after Chinese New Year's.
Liang Yuan, marketing manager HK China Travel Service, said, "For packages during Spring Festival season, we have to book flights and hotel rooms a month in advance. So at this point, it's hard to take on new clients. "
A recent survey shows a 30 percent price jump for Spring Festival travel, compared with one year ago. This is largely due to hikes in airline fares and accommodations.
As few foreign tours remain available, people are turning to domestic options, among which Yunnan Province and subtropical Hainan Island are the most popular.
While some will crowd into scenic spots, others are heading for quieter destinations in an increasingly fragmented market.
Wang Anhua, assistant general manager, HK China Travel Service, said,
"Our five-day package to Wuyi Mountain in Fujian costs only about 3,000 yuan. Another tour, which covers five eastern cities, is available for 2,000. You'll spend even less if going inland to Shaanxi province, where you can enjoy folk arts like shadow puppetry. "
The demand for tours is expected to drop 20 percent when the holiday week concludes.
Editor:Du Xiaodan
