Mixed feelings on coupon system

There are mixed opinions on the decision of a few local governments to give away free "tourist vouchers" to potential travelers in order to boost consumption, says an article on the website news.cnhubei.com. The following is an excerpt:

The Nanjing government recently issued 200,000 tourist vouchers, each worth 100 yuan, to local residents. On the same day, the Guangdong tourist association distributed vouchers worth the same amount to elderly people above 55 years of age. Is this really the right way to go about trying to boost consumption?

Some experts believe it is a fairly good idea, as tourists usually spend money on sectors such as transport, hotels, restaurants, and stores, and the vouchers could induce a multiplier effect, which surpasses their face value.