School spring breaks set to spur tourism

China's domestic tourism market is expected to see a new wave of growth as some provinces implement "spring breaks" for primary and secondary students. Several Chinese top advisers have also suggested expanding the policy nationwide to meet people's leisure needs and stimulate consumption.

In the Government Work Report submitted to the National People's Congress for deliberation during the just concluded annual two sessions, the central government said it would support local authorities in introducing spring and autumn breaks for primary and secondary students and further promote paid leave for workers to encourage off-peak travel.

Several provinces and cities have recently announced plans for student spring breaks, with most scheduled in April or early May.

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, for example, will give primary and secondary students a three-day spring break from April 1 to April 3. The break could extend to six days when combined with the upcoming Tomb Sweeping Day holiday from April 4 to April 6. Other cities, including Nanjing and Suzhou in East China's Jiangsu province, have also scheduled spring breaks for students from April 1 to April 3.

Travel agencies and experts said the tourism market is likely to see notable growth this spring. Figures from online travel agency LY.com show that over the past week, searches and bookings for flights departing between March 31 and April 6 have doubled on its platform compared with the previous week.

Popular domestic destinations include Sanya in Hainan province for its tropical scenery, Kunming in the southwestern province of Yunnan for its mild climate, and Guangzhou in the southern province of Guangdong for its renowned cuisine, according to LY.com. Overseas destinations such as the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, Bangkok in Thailand and Singapore are also among the top choices for parents and students.

Qi Chunguang, vice-president of travel portal Tuniu, noted that some cities and provinces have scheduled spring breaks in late April or early May, which could be extended into an eight-day holiday when combined with the five-day May Day holiday starting May 1.

"The implementation of the spring break policy will spark people's desire for family trips, spring outings or educational tours, and increase interest in off-peak long-distance travel to destinations featuring natural scenery or cultural attractions, which will benefit the nation's tourism market development," he said.

Noting the potential tourism and consumption growth generated by spring breaks, Lu Ming, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, suggested expanding the policy nationwide to increase the sense of well-being among students and their parents while energizing the consumer market.

In a recent interview with the Beijing News, Lu, who is also a professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University's Antai College of Economics and Management, said that consumption demand has risen as livelihoods and incomes improve. Promoting spring or autumn breaks could help stimulate spending and foster new economic growth points, while also giving students time to ease academic pressure and providing parents with opportunities for family trips.

He also suggested introducing more supportive measures, such as paid leave, so that parents can flexibly plan family travel during spring or autumn breaks and gain a stronger sense of satisfaction and happiness.

chengsi@chinadaily.com.cn