Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many travel agencies have had little or no business since the beginning of 2020. To improve this situation, Tongzhou district in Nantong has formulated plans to boost the development of the tourism industry.

From July 15 to Dec 31, rewards of 10 yuan ($1.40) and 50 yuan per person will be granted to "one-day" and "two-day" tour groups visiting Tongzhou, which will benefit both travel agencies and scenic spots.

Because of this policy, Zhou Ji Green Expo Garden, the only national 4A-level tourist attraction in Tongzhou, has contacted travel agencies in Nantong, Suzhou and Wuxi.

"Due to the epidemic, the number of tourists we received in the first half of the year was significantly lower than over the same period last year," said Chen Yun, an official at the garden. "The event has given us a lot of support, the number of visitors in the second half year is expected to increase sharply."

Oriented by the market, supported by the government and participated in by enterprises, the event will help tourism companies increase incomes and move out of the current slump.

Because of a new incentive scheme, Zhou Ji Green Expo Garden, the only national 4A-level tourist attraction in Tongzhou, has contacted travel in Nantong, Suzhou and Wuxi. [Photo/WeChat account: jstzrb]