LOCAL travel management authorities reminded tourists and travel agencies to be mindful of COVID prevention and control during travel, as the coming May Day holiday is approaching, Shenzhen Special Zone Daily reported yesterday.

Overseas tours, as well as tours to medium- and high-risk areas, and border cities outside Guangdong Province organized by local travel agencies had been suspended, the report said, citing Shenzhen Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports.

“Before organizing tours, travel agencies need to know the weather and epidemic prevention and control policies of their destinations in advance, pay close attention to travel tips issued by health, public security, transportation, culture and tourism and other departments,” the bureau said.

Local tourist destinations are also required to strengthen their COVID control policies during the holiday. Tourists should make reservations, scan the venue code, wear face masks properly and accept temperature checks before entering tourist destinations and hotels. Visitor flows will be capped at 75% capacity for these venues, the bureau said.

All travel agencies and online tourism enterprises shall not organize tours from and to overseas areas, medium- and high-risk areas, and border cities outside Guangdong, and corresponding “air ticket+hotel” services.

A “circuit-breaking mechanism” will be implemented for agencies that provide cross-province tour services. If a province (region or city) is declared as a medium- and high-risk area, travel agencies and online tourism enterprises shall suspend operating tourism to and from such an area and corresponding “air ticket+hotel” services.

The bureau suggests people stay in Shenzhen and those who want a holiday trip should better choose places inside the province to avoid virus infection risks. (Windy Shao)