Cities try coupons for boost

China's coastal cities are handing out tourism coupons worth tens of millions of dollars, urging people to spend amid the economic slowdown.

A plan to send out 80 million yuan ($11.7 million) worth of tourism coupons was approved by the government in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu province, yesterday. They will be given to residents in the city and neighboring cities, People.com.cn said.

Guangdong province yesterday also launched a 20 million yuan plan to encourage people over the age of 55 to jump on the tour bus.