(Yicai) April 2 -- Chinese holidaymakers have been setting off in larger numbers following the introduction of a government-mandated spring break this year, aiming to boost tourism and consumption.

This year's Government Work Report proposed spring and autumn breaks for primary and secondary schools, as well as a paid staggered leave for employees. Accordingly, over 50 cities began their spring break on April 1, creating a continuous holiday of six days when combined with the upcoming traditional Qingming Festival holiday.

Eight provinces, including Shandong, Hunan, Zhejiang, and Sichuan, are implementing spring and autumn breaks for primary and secondary schools. A number of families even set off for their vacations on March 31, according to data from travel platform Qunar.

Hotel occupancy rates in popular cities almost tripled yesterday from a year earlier, as families checked into accommodation at their destinations. There was also a notable rise in air travel from the provinces that have implemented the new spring break.

Many regions have introduced spring holiday "packages," which include various preferential measures such as lower admission fees, transportation subsidies, and consumer vouchers. These have also pushed an increase in travel among families with children at primary and secondary schools.

Industry insiders said that the travel pattern and consumption trends in the spring tourism market have undergone much change, as the spring break policy has stimulated consumption for this holiday and also driven the overall spring tourism market. As people expand their travel horizons, the consumption potential for long-distance travel has been increased as well.

According to Qunar, the top 10 most-searched scenic spots nationwide on April 1 were: Universal Beijing Resort, Shanghai Disney Resort, the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, Taihu Lake Yuntouzhu Scenic Area in Wuxi, Slender West Lake in Yangzhou, Hongshan Forest Zoo in Nanjing, the Humble Administrator's Garden in Suzhou, Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum in Xi'an, Wuyuan Huangling Scenic Area in Shangrao, and Mount Tai Scenic Area in Tai'an.

Editor: Tom Litting