The “Three Gorges” tours, the hottest travel routes in China at any given time, has become exceptionally cold in this year’s travel market. The average number of people leaving the port this summer is less than 800; this breaks the record for the lowest in 14 years.

Hong Kong, Wenweibo, reported that in the first half of this year, the “Three Gorges” tour travel market was very slow. Since June, 80 precent of the tour boats had already stopped their business. More than 20 tour boats that were leaving Chongqing hit the record low in its 14 year history.
The summer is suppose to be the peak period for the tours. The newest data shows that this summer the number of tourists, from the Chongqing port to the Yangtze River, decreased the most in August.

Because of increased oil prices and the lack of tourists, more than 10 boats stopped service beginning in March. A few boat companies lowered their ticket price from over $500 to just over $100.

Mainland analysts in the field say the tour market is facing new challenges.

First, the old scenic spots are not as attractive since the Three Gorges were impounded. The construction of the new scenic spots is lagging behind. The relocated Zhang Fei temple, the half flooded Shibao village and the Feng Du ghost city are still under construction. Famous scenic spots like the Little Three Gorges have all lost their appeal.
Secondly, on the Gao Gorge, the sight of the Ping Lake was expected to be large. The big lake didn’t appear on the new tour, but it is still a flat river similar to a scene when the summer flood comes.

Finally, some environmental pollution problems that appear at the river’s surface on the tour have arisen. The reception from the tourists was not too good, filled with many complaints.

Professionals in the field consider that many new scenic spots are competing for tourists. This makes the old “Three Gorges” tourist products dull in comparison. In addition, some unregulated spots have ticket prices that are too high, diminishing the “Three Gorges” tour’s reputation.

Also, SARS last year and the bird flu this year have hampered the overseas travel market to Mainland China.