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Ticket sales drop but tourist economy rises

(chinadaily.com.cn)

Updated: 2012-03-08

Enshi Free Travel Week ended on February 26. The city of Enshi received 889,000 tourist visits, while overall tourism income totaled 240 million yuan ($38 million).

More tourists arrived than expected. The average hotel occupancy rate stood at more than 90 percent. On February 25, the Grand Canyon in Enshi received 22,458-visitors, which caused heavy traffic jams. The city increased its police force presence to maintain public safety.

Li Guoqing, mayor of Enshi, said in an interview that the Free Travel Week tested the local tourism sector along with its support facilities, operations and management capabilities. The week highlights the great potential of the town.