Hunan's culture and tourism sector was heavily affected by the latest wave of COVID-19 pandemic. During this year's May Day holiday, the market was in a downturn generally. Most of the tourists chose "micro travel" and showed a marked preference for "camping plus" activities.

 

During the holiday, 971 units that have been included into provincially-monitored system, received over 5.39 million tourist trips and achieved an operating revenue of nearly 638 million yuan, the Hunan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism said on May 5.

 

It added that 421 accommodation units received 202,700 visits, with an operating income of more than 74 million yuan. The cumulative room occupancy rate of the accommodation units included into the monitored system was 52.43%. A total of 449,300 arrivals were received by 208 cultural service units, according to the authority.

 

Despite the overall downturn, there were still highlights in the culture and tourism industry operation, which reflected the new trends of future development.

 

Due to COVID-19 prevention measures, the number of inter-provincial and go-home trips dropped sharply. The majority of tourists were household-based residents within Hunan Province, and they enjoyed such "micro-tourism" as driving tours, excursions to suburban areas, short-distance travel, and rural tourism.

 

Culture and tourism departments at all levels came up with various preferential policies including colorful activities and discounted or free tickets for scenic spots, to spur consumption in the culture and tourism sector. Urban and suburban camping became the top priority for most tourists.