Every time after the "Golden Week" holidays, related departments will make an inventory of the holiday businesses - and this year is no exception. According to the Ministry of Commerce, overall consumption was about 300 billion yuan (US$38 billion) from October 1 to 7 nationwide, 14.5 per cent higher than the same period last year.

There are many similar summaries about the holidays, and most concentrate on consumption and business earnings. But the holiday week is much more than these. Many other things should be reflected and improved.

Every year we focus on the "gold" and ignore the problems. Without enough attention cast on them, these problems have not been solved for long.

For example, cases of infringing upon the rights and interests of consumers continue to occur during the holidays. Consumers' complaints about tours, shopping, transportation and accommodation always mount during the holidays.

There are many reports on this. For example, in Beijing a guide threatened a tourist who did not shop during the tour. In Shanghai, a tourist and his family were driven out of the taxi because the driver wanted to serve some foreign guests.

All kinds of infringements should be summarized and studied to find solutions. It is a pity, however, that every year we take stock of the money earned but forget about the defects. Many problems have not been treated seriously, encouraging various infringements.

It looks glamorous to take stock of the money earned. But it is also necessary to make an inventory of problems to improve the quality of the holidays.

(China Daily 10/10/2006 page4)

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