(Yicai) June 3 -- Tourism spending in Shanghai surged during the recent Dragon Boat Festival, fueled by theme parks and sporting events.

Total tourism spending -- including food, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, shopping, entertainment, and education -- reached CNY12.5 billion (USD1.7 billion), up 3 percent year on year, according to the city’s Big Data monitoring system. Shanghai welcomed 6.5 million visitors over the three-day holiday from May 31 to June 2.

The average hotel occupancy rate rose to 59 percent, up from 58 percent during the same period last year. Major attractions across the city recorded 2.3 million visits. Combined offline and online consumption totaled nearly CNY20 billion (USD2.8 billion) during the first two days of the holiday, a 4 percent increase from the previous year, according to data from the local commerce commission, citing the consumer market Big Data lab.

Tax-refund sales and refunds from overseas tourists more than doubled. Subsidized trade-in programs for home appliances, computers, and consumer electronics also contributed to rising spending, as more residents took advantage of upgrade incentives.

Travel agency Trip.Com reports that top attractions over the holiday included the Shanghai Disney Resort, Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park, Shanghai L+Snow Indoor Skiing Theme Resort, Shanghai Museum, and Shanghai Playa Maya Water Park. Adding to the festive atmosphere, Shanghai Legoland Resort in Jinshan District began trial operations. Coinciding with Children’s Day, the Dragon Boat Festival featured special performances for children at theme parks. Shanghai Wild Animal Park also offered free admission for kids.

The 2025 Shanghai E-Prix, part of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, drew tens of thousands of spectators. The two races -- featuring fully electric single-seater cars -- took place in Jiading District over the holiday. Spectators were offered extra perks, with over 180 merchants in nine shopping complexes providing discounts of up to 30 percent.

Looking ahead, the city is betting on cultural tourism. The city’s Pudong New Area has launched the “Follow the Show, Discover Pudong” campaign. From May 30 to Sept. 30, consumers who purchase designated performance tickets on partner platforms can exchange their used tickets for discounts on hotels and attractions via Trip.Com and Meituan, further encouraging tourism and local spending.

Editor: Emmi Laine