The weeklong holiday for the National Day would proceed as usual, the China News Service reported Wednesday.

The State Council had approved the weeklong vacation, and had ordered relevant government departments to ensure the safety of the holiday activities, said the China News Service.

The nationwide vacation, together with the weeklong May Day holiday, was approved by the Chinese Government in 1999 in an effort to boost consumer spending, and it has resulted in a booming domestic tourist trade. Both vacations are regarded as "Golden Weeks" for tourism and consumer spending.

This year's May Day holiday, however, was canceled by the State Council to prevent the spread of SARS.

Meanwhile, China has increased the membership of departments involved in high level meetings on holiday tourism from 14 to 17 to include the State Meteorological Administration, the State work safety watchdog, and the State food safety watchdog.

(Shenzhen Daily September 4, 2003)