Shanghai's tourism industry has generally welcomed the national holiday changes - but not everyone is happy.

For example, couples who have already booked their weddings to coincide with the next May Day holiday are worried that their ceremonies may be disrupted because they will now fall on a working day.

Shanghai Airline Holiday said that in the past two years there had not been a great deal of difference between the peak and slack tourist seasons. It believes the modification will make it easier for people to adjust their holiday plans.

"Numbers of three-day or four-day holidays will increase, and it's good news for the short-term tourism market," said Hu Xin, public relations supervisor of Shanghai Airline Holiday.

"Agencies will have better services as they won't have to cope with so many tourists at once."

It is also preparing to promote products with a traditional Chinese element to celebrate the holidays.

Hu hopes that the country's policy on paid vacation will issued as soon as possible lest tourists crowd scenic spots during the Spring Festival and National Day Golden Weeks.

The Shanghai China International Travel Service Co Ltd, whose service is mainly for outbound traveling, said hotels, flights and restaurants will have a "cushion" for Chinese tourists.

"Some tourists may choose to travel during the remaining two Golden Weeks, but our survey shows that many others are willing to avoid peak times," said Yu Weihua, general manager of the company.

A woman surnamed An, who has booked her wedding banquet for May 6, is now considering a change of date.

"On work days my family and friends leave work rather late, and the traffic in the evening is awful," she said. "We are worried that the wedding will not start on time."

But as the city is in its wedding peak period it is difficult for couples to change their booked dates.

Many hotels and restaurants are booked out for wedding banquets and parties on the weekends around the May Day holiday, industry sources said.

(Shanghai Daily November 11, 2007)