Published on Sunday, October 11, 2020

Golden Week holiday saw more than 600 million trips across China

Domestic tourism rebounded well in China during the first significant holiday period since Covid-19 restrictions were eased nationwide.

China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism said 637 million domestic trips were made over the Golden Week holiday.

It represents nearly 80% of last year's number, although tourism revenues were down more significantly at $68.7 billion.

That is likely due to many tourist sites offering free entry to encourage visits, even though most still have a maximum capacity pegged at 75%.

Spending reached only 69.8% of last year's total even though this year's holiday was one day longer.

According to state media, there was a higher proportion of travel made by car, suggesting there is still concerns about Covid-19 transmission in enclosed spaces such as trains and buses.

China has not recorded any local transmissions since August.

Written by Ray Montgomery, Asia Editor