Source: CCTV.com

01-07-2008 11:30

The Lunar New Year is just a month away. And recent changes to China's National Holiday system mean many more people are turning to the seven-day break over the Spring Festival, as their chance to get away and relax.

Spring festival travel booking is in hot demand.

Travel agents in southern Guangdong Province are reporting a huge number of pre-bookings for travel during the Spring Festival. And they think sales are likely to be even hotter this year, despite a 10 percent hike in ticket and restaurant prices.

One Guangdong resident said "Now we don't have a long May Day holiday, other holiday periods are also shorter, so I'm choosing to travel over this period."

Meanwhile in eastern Zhejiang Province, some of the more popular outbound travel packages are almost entirely sold out. One travel agent says just a few places are available for the end of the festival.

Jin Linyan, staff of Hangzhou International travel said "Tourists who want to go abroad during this period have to hurry up. We have very tight air tickets, and the deadline for visa applications is also very close."

Analysts say they expect a travel peak over this Spring Festival, with prices rising 10 to 20 percent. They're recommending that those who want to take a break, pick another time to travel, because prices are likely to fall sharply after the upcoming holiday.

Editor:Xiong Qu