Dependency on scenic sites' ticket sales is holding back domestic tourism market

THE RESULTS of a recent survey by the National Bureau of Statistics show that 72.3 percent people think the ticket prices for domestic scenic sites are too high, and the National Development and Reform Commission has instructed scenic attractions to markedly lower their entry ticket prices before September. Setting the deadline shows the top economic planner's intention to let the people enjoy the National Day holiday and promote domestic travel and consumption. Legal Daily comments:

It is noteworthy that the commission emphasized in its notice that instead of relying on the revenue from the tourist sites they manage, local governments should instead create local tourism economies, since tourists today value the whole travel experience not just paying hurried visits to places of interest.

Local governments should realize that the main tourism revenue will no longer come from the selling of tickets to tourist attractions, but from visitor spending in restaurants, hotels and the other entertainment facilities and programs near the scenic spots.