Customers cancel cruises after disaster

Exhausted rescuers take a short rest on the deck of a rescue ship. Li Xi / Hubei Daily

Zhou Xiaoping, head of the Jiangsu Tourism Bureau's information center, said cruises in the Yangtze are especially attractive to seniors.

"Compared with other means of travel, cruises are cheaper and more comfortable," Zhou said. "The seniors, who often have a lot of spare time, can enjoy the views without getting tired."

Zhou said the bureau has been working for years to make the Yangtze trip more attractive and comfortable, but the safety of the river remains a problem.

"The rainy season coincides with the beginning of summer," Zhou said. "And the bureau is working with other governmental departments to conduct safety checks on the ships in the Yangtze."

Li Kaoshan, general manager of Jinling Business Travel Agency, said because of the comforts cruises provide, the number of travelers has increased slightly in recent years.

"But the ship's being capsized by a tornado will influence the market," Li said.

Contact the writers through cangwei@chinadaily.com.cn