Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic across the country, more and more people turned to short-distance and rural tours in East China's Shandong province during the five-day May Day holiday from April 30 to May 4.

According to the latest statistics released by the provincial culture and tourism department, a total of 779 indoor and outdoor scenic spots had reopened as of May 4.

All the scenic spots have implemented strict epidemic and control measures, including limiting visitor numbers and creating staggered shifts for employees and reservation systems. Tourist attractions are currently only allowed to receive half of their maximum capacity of visitors.

Tourist sites are expected to encourage tourists to make reservations in advance online and complete real-name registration in order to control visitor flows and prevent huge crowds. At tourist sites, strict epidemic control measures have been implemented, including temperature checks and regular disinfection.

Local tours, short-distance leisure tours, family trips, sisterhood tours, self-driving tours, recreational vehicle tours and picnics have been fueling the recovery of the province's tourism sector.

The local culture and tourist department pushed businesses to improve their products and launch online and offline activities to promote themed tour routes, which include floral appreciation and vacationing.

During the holiday, Shandong witnessed a sharp increase in the culture and tourism sector, and the province introduced preferential policies to boost holiday consumption such as issuing consumption coupons and carrying out promotional events, all of which have proved useful in promoting the sustained recovery of consumption.

More and more people turn to short-distance and rural tours in East China's Shandong province during the five-day May Day holiday. [Photo/Official Website of the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism]