Olympics, other 2008 events constrict tourism growth in China?

BEIJING – In the run-up to the Olympic Games in this city, the travel industry,including online travel players, had projected a rosy picture for the industry.

But, in the last couple of months, several stakeholders including travel suppliers and intermediaries have acknowledged that the Olympics and other events in 2008 have served to constrict the growth in tourism flows to and from China.

Assessing the situation from online travel sector's perspective, Guangfu Cui, CEO, eLong told eyefortravel.com, "Yes, it has been a tough year for the travel industry due to many one time but significant events - the snowstorm, the Sichuan earthquake, the shortened May holiday, Olympic Games. Without these one time but significant events, the market would have been better."

"There might also be some other factors which impact the travel industry in the short term, i.e. the difficulties that the small and medium enterprises face right now. Despite these short-term challenges, we are very optimistic about the long-term prospect of the travel market in China. One of the key drivers is the ever- increased consumption power of Chinese consumers," he said.