Tourists visit the Hongyadong scenic spot at night in Chongqing, southwest China, Aug. 23, 2024. (Photo/Xinhua)
Chongqing - Chongqing experienced robust consumer spending this summer, as strong tourism demand bolstered multiple sectors of the local economy.
Official data show that sales revenues across five key industries—hotels, travel agencies, leisure and sightseeing activities, cinema screenings, and homestay services—registered double-digit growth in August.
According to value-added tax (VAT) invoice data released by Chongqing Municipal Tax Service, revenues from hotels increased 47.1% year on year in August. Travel agency services increased by 15.8%, leisure and sightseeing activities by 29.1%, cinema screenings by 37.7%, and homestay services by 25.5% during the same period.
To stimulate demand, Chongqing introduced more than 200 night-time consumption events. Since mid-April, a large-scale drone light show has been staged every Saturday and on major holidays. The show has attracted more than 3.6 million on-site visits and generated over 1 billion online views. The influx of visitors has boosted surrounding businesses, with some restaurants along Nanbin Road in Nan'an District reporting occupancy rates above 70%.
Yinghuadu Hotpot's Changjiahui branch reported a 6.3% rise in revenue and a 17.4% increase in per-customer spending in August. Customer flow increased by 20% during drone shows, and Saturday and holiday bookings must be made one to two weeks in advance. Branch manager Liang Ying said sometimes a single private room can serve three different groups in one night.
Authorities have provided targeted policy support to help businesses capture seasonal opportunities. The Chongqing Municipal Tax Service offered on-site guidance on tax incentives for small-scale taxpayers and start-ups, supported electronic invoicing, and adjusted the cap on invoice issuance to ensure businesses can meet projected demand. These measures reduced compliance risks and ensured uninterrupted operations during peak demand.
The city's nighttime economy has further expanded with new tourism offerings. Chongqing Happy Valley and Chongqing Maya Beach Water Park jointly launched a dual-park night session, opening over 30 attractions and hosting themed events such as water battles and music parties. According to the operator, Chongqing OCT Industry Development Co., Ltd, the initiative resulted in an 18% year-on-year increase in visitor numbers in August. The company also received tax guidance on withholding obligations for performance staff, mitigating operational risks.