中经评论：加速释放服务消费潜力

Core Insights - The summer box office in China has surpassed 10 billion yuan, with approximately 39,000 cultural and tourism consumption activities held nationwide, and the national railway expected to send 953 million passengers, indicating a booming summer cultural and tourism market [1][4] - There is a shift in consumer demand from basic needs to higher quality and diversified services, with per capita service consumption expected to account for 46.1% of total consumption in 2024, contributing 63% to the growth of consumer spending [1][4] - Retail sales related to cultural and spiritual needs have shown rapid growth, with double-digit increases in tourism consulting, transportation services, and cultural and recreational services from January to July this year [1] Industry Challenges - The development of service consumption faces structural bottlenecks, including the need for improved quality and efficiency in supply, with a lack of high-quality, reliable elderly care services and a shortage of quality housekeeping services [2] - The service sector's reliance on human interaction and experiential value makes it challenging for consumers to assess service quality and build trust, with high price barriers limiting the exploration of consumption potential [2] Recommendations for Growth - Enhancing supply quality is fundamental, focusing on the professionalization, standardization, and branding of services, encouraging innovation in service models, and utilizing digital tools to improve operational efficiency and user experience [3] - Breaking down market barriers is crucial, with ongoing reforms needed to eliminate restrictions on new service models and consumption scenarios, particularly in high-public-interest sectors like elderly care, healthcare, and education [3] - Optimizing the consumption environment is essential, with strengthened market regulation and consumer rights protection, establishing a service standard system, and improving the credit system to reward quality service providers while penalizing those who breach trust [3] Policy Focus - Recent meetings by the Central Political Bureau and the State Council have emphasized the importance of cultivating new growth points in service consumption alongside expanding goods consumption, indicating a policy focus on service consumption in the near future [4]