Sky-high tickets to scenic spots put them out of reach
- By Ni Tao
0 Comment(s)
Print
E-mail Shanghai Daily, April 12, 2013
The past tomb-sweeping festival (April 4-6) saw millions on the move.
Most people were traveling to pay homage to their deceased ancestors, but the three-day holiday was also an occasion for outings.
According to statistics of the National Tourism Administration, some provinces received tens of millions of tourists during the holiday, raking in billions in tourist money.
Despite their enthusiasm about ta qing, or spring excursions, many were put off by exorbitant admission fees charged by the scenic spots.
It is reported that prices of tickets to attractions such as Slender West Lake of Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, and Mount Emei in Sichuan Province more than doubled, with some soaring as much as 167 percent.
Having been accused of greed, the management of some attractions explained that they raised ticket prices to pay for more staff required to deal with the swarm of visitors.
At a time when prices of nearly everything are increasing, complaint about expensive admission seems futile. And perhaps even the price-setting authorities aren't capable of keeping it in check.
A three-year price freeze at tourist sites has expired, prompting many operators to overcharge visitors in hopes of making up for losses and generating revenue in another expected three-year freeze.
As more Chinese have the means to travel for leisure, tourism is being turned into a money-spinner.
Fenghuang County in Hunan Province, often called one of China's two most pristine ancient towns, was widely criticized recently when it began to charge 148 yuan (US$23) for entry into the complex housing its quaint old architecture, a development widely criticized as being too commercial.
While Fenghuang may justify this move on grounds of crowd control and better protection of relics, many others use the same excuse to mask their true motives behind the skyrocketing admission fees.
How much longer will it take previously affordable scenic spots to be priced out of reach of the general public?
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)