During the five-day May Day holiday, China recorded a total of 115 million domestic tourist trips, according to data released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on May 5. The surge came after a relaxation on travel restrictions with cases of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) dwindling in the country.

The trips would help lift the tourism and hospitality sectors that have been hit hard by disruptions from the epidemic. Revenue from domestic tourism exceeded 47 billion yuan ($6.7 billion) during this holiday, said the ministry.

China's tourism sector is seeking long-term development to offset losses incurred by the epidemic, with many scenic spots providing smarter infrastructure and live broadcast.

Tourism-driven revenues of China were predicted to drop 1.18 trillion yuan ($166.4 billion) this year, according to the China Tourism Academy. But the fundamentals of China's long-term growth in the tourism sector will remain unchanged. Businesses in tourism industry can enhance product innovation and adjust market strategies in this special period so as to tide over the tough times.

Copyedited by Rebeca Toledo

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