Expensive hotels deter visitors to Sanya
Those seeking a warmer climate without leaving the country during the Spring Festival were happy to find discounted air tickets to Sanya, Hainan Province. But their delight was short-lived, as they soon discovered that hotel prices there were very high.
A one-way ticket from Beijing to Sanya can now be found for the relatively low price of 810 yuan ($119), a 65 percent reduction from the usual price. The discounted tickets are available until February 19.
Hainan is a popular destination during the winter and, partly in response to an expected increase in demand during the upcoming holiday, hotel prices have continued to go up.
The top hotels have increased their prices dramatically, with one night costing between 6,000 yuan ($878) to 80,000 yuan ($11,700). One night in the most expensive room in the Ritz-Carton Hotel at Sanya will set you back 70,000 yuan ($10,000).
"Some rich people don't care so much about the hotel prices, so the hotel bookings have still been very busy," said Luo Yan, an employee of et-china.com, an E-commerce travel agency. Similarly, first class air tickets to Sanya have sold well.
But, of course, most people are unable or reluctant to pay the high hotel prices. "It's too expensive. I'd rather use the funds to go abroad during the holiday," said Beijing resident Tian Wei.
According to some travel agencies, a six-day package holiday in Phuket, Thailand only costs under 6,000 yuan.
"The over-investment in the real estate in Sanya last year caused the property price increase, including the hotels. The high hotel prices keep many travelers away," said Wang Yili, a marketing director at et-china.com, "those who fly economy class also care about the hotel price."