More people get off the beaten track for relaxing break
Going against the tide of flocking to well-known yet generally jam-packed tourist destinations on vacation, a growing number of holidaymakers in China tend to spend their leisure time at lesser-known resorts to seek unique, relaxed holiday experiences.
That is what Dai Bin, president of the China Tourism Academy said. He said popular tourist spots are always packed and often raise their prices during holidays. As people become more mature travelers, they are increasingly reluctant to follow the herd. And it is a good way to vacation. According to data from online travel agencies, the number of rooms booked at hotels in less-traveled cities during the holiday was up 30 percent year-on-year. In addition, lesser-known attractions are not as "commercial" and "standardized" as developed ones and are able to offer more authentic experiences and natural encounters, according to social media posts.
COVID-19 is another key factor fueling reverse tourism. As precautionary measures continue, traveling has an unpredictable quality. Travelers have no way of knowing what lies ahead before departure, be it a perfect holiday or one interrupted by a sudden outbreak.
The rise of reverse tourism is not a bad thing. It means that vacationers now have more options, which brings more possibilities to the tourism market.
A. The trend is set to force popular destinations to improve themselves.
B. Tourism used to be about sightseeing but now it is about experiences.
C. Some of them are simply looking to take a rest somewhere quiet for a couple of days.
D. Reverse tourism has emerged as a new, trend, especially among young holidaymakers in China.
E. During the week-long public holiday, large numbers of vacationers long to escape their busy city life.
F. They have thus become more cautious and tend to choose local attractions or places with fewer tourists.
G. And unlike popular destinations, some under-explored places with little online exposure can offer more surprises.
