Dependence on tickets

Recently China’s top economic planner announced its intention to lower ticket prices for major state-owned scenic spots before this National Day Holiday.

The People’s Daily recently observed that nearly half of top tourist sites in China cost over 100 yuan (US$14.7) for entry.

Among them, Hengdian World Studios in Zhejiang Province costs 490-720 yuan, while Yellow Mountain in Anhui Province charges 230 yuan.

In contrast, Musée du Louvre in France costs 11 euros (US$13) to visit, and Japan’s Mount Fuji is free.

Some explain that tickets are very expensive because local governments rely heavily on ticket sales to finance local infrastructure and management.

To wean local authorities from dependence on tickets, developing “all-for-one” tourism might be a solution.

It is to integrate tourism resources with related industries, such as accommodation, catering, transportation, entertainment and shopping.

Local governments can also seek to develop their tourism products, and host celebrations, sports events and shows, so as to extend the tourism industry chain and explore new focuses of tourist consumption.