Favoured week for tourism operators as prices increase

To save up to 50% on hotel and air costs, it is wiser to book for the holiday within the week. This is actually the message promoted by Beijing travel agents in preparation for the largest National Day holiday hustle in the history of Chinese tourism.

Authorities estimate over 200 million individuals will take a trip in the holiday, about 13% higher than the same time last year. Furthermore, revenue from tourism is anticipated to exceed about 100 billion yuan.

Interestingly, the record figure of travellers and the particularly long holiday time has created ideal conditions for the travel operators.

On the contrary, travel agents claim accommodation and transport costs will increase by up to 50% from this present weekend. In addition, the highly popular tourist destinations are most likely the most expensive. For instance, a five-day and four-night trip from Beijing, China to the resort city of Sanya, Hainan Province located in South China would soar by 50% to 4,680 yuan.

Marketing Manager Pei of TUI China, the first joint venture China-foreign travel agency, said: "Yunnan, Sichuan, coastal cities like Xiamen and Sanya, and the Three Gorges Dam Cruise are among the most popular destinations for foreigners".

However, holiday Service Director Tang Yibo, stated there were several opportunities to hit great deals. He said, "The coming couple of days are the best time to get the best deal before the National Day".