Labor Day tourism takes hit amid epidemic jitters

Domestic tourism over this year's Labor Day holiday saw a decrease due to tightened measures against COVID-19.

The latest figures from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism show in the five-day holiday domestic travelers made 160 million trips, falling 30.2 percent year-on-year.

Revenues generated also saw a decline of nearly 43 percent from the same period in the previous year, roughly 64.7 billion yuan ($9.79 billion) over the break.

The ministry said people's desire for travel remains high despite the epidemic, as many chose to embark on short-distance tours in or near their homes.

Camping trips and homestays saw a boom thanks to the surge, according to the ministry.