The upcoming May Day holiday has many travelers concerned about rising costs for travel, transportation, and accommodation. With the surge in tourists, there have been complaints about the limited availability of high-speed trains, flights, and hotels.
However, there seems to be some relief for travelers as prices for domestic economy class air tickets have seen a significant drop near the May Day holiday. Data from Changfei shows that the average price for air tickets during the holiday period is 852 yuan, a decrease of 1.13% compared to last year and a 22% decrease from the previous week. Industry insiders attribute this price reduction to temporary oversupply caused by airlines increasing flights to meet the new demand.
While flight prices have seen a decline, it is important to note that prices during the May Day holiday are still significantly higher than daily prices and those during the Tomb Sweeping Day holiday. Popular routes such as Beijing-Shanghai, Chengdu-Sanya, and Shanghai-Beijing have seen an increase of around 20% to 55% in ticket prices during the holiday period.
In addition to concerns about flight prices, there have been reports of rising hotel prices and issues with cancellations and refunds. Consumers have filed complaints about merchants engaging in price gouging and fraud by manipulating room availability and prices. In response to these complaints, law enforcement agencies have issued warnings and plan to increase supervision to prevent such illegal activities.
As the holiday approaches, many tourists are also looking to travel abroad. The China Tourism Academy predicts that outbound tourism will reach 130 million in 2024, with Asian countries like Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam being popular destinations. The number of international flights in China has been steadily recovering, with demand for flights to Europe also increasing.
With both inbound and outbound tourism expected to see a boost during the May Day holiday, it is essential for travelers to stay informed about price regulations and exercise caution when making travel arrangements. As travel continues to recover, authorities are working to ensure a smooth and fair experience for all holiday-goers.