Not surprisingly, half of the locals going to provincial scenic spots are the elderly, making use of their plentiful time and a lull in general travel.

A Shanghai Daily survey among major travel agencies showed that prices of long-distance tours have dropped by 25-30 percent despite an average 6-percent rise in domestic air fares due to a hike in oil prices, while the rates for short-distance tours are down by 30 percent.

"As travel agencies get a favorable discount from airlines, the 6-percent jump in air fare will not affect our package tour rate," said Liu Xiaojun with Shanghai China Youth Travel Service.

Liu added that travel agencies would rather earn less than raise their price for fear of losing customers.

For instance, at Shanghai China Youth, a five-day tour to Beijing costs 1,960 yuan (US$236), down 25 percent from the National Day holiday rate, and a weekend tour to Zhejiang Province costs 300 yuan, about 100 yuan cheaper, compared to the holiday.

Foresighted locals, half of them senior citizens, have benefited the most from the price drop.

At Spring International Travel Service, for instance, the elderly account for 50 percent of the customers registered with package tours by flight to hot destinations, like Beijing, Hainan Island, and Zhangjiajie in Hunan Province.

"After the long holiday, we can avoid the crowd while enjoying cheaper prices," said Zhang Yiqin, 65, who reserved a five-day tour to Beijing with his wife.

Slow-paced tours by train are even more popular among the elderly.

At Spring International, all tickets before this Wednesday for a five-day package tour to Beijing by train, priced at 1,190 yuan, were sold out, 70 per-cent reserved by the elderly.

Several travel agencies specializing in business for senior citizens are also reaping the benefits.

At Old City God Temple Travel Service, 400 tickets for a 14-day tour to the Three Gor-ges departing this Wednesday by ship at 1,360 yuan were sold out last Friday. "A growing number of elderly are now travelling and most prefer to avoid the holidays,' said the agency's Lu Guanliang.

( eastday.com October 14, 2002)