Group 1: Tourism Market Trends - The tourism market is experiencing a surge in activity as the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival approach, with significant increases in hotel bookings, particularly in Zhangjiajie, where the occupancy rate has risen compared to last year [1][3] - There is a notable increase in foreign tourist bookings, with a shift in source markets, including a rise in visitors from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member countries [1] - Popular scenic spots are increasing their performance schedules from one show per day to four, with multilingual translations added to enhance the experience for international visitors [3] Group 2: Regional Highlights - In Yangzhou, there is a trend of "off-peak travel," with many tourists arriving early to enjoy a slower pace of life, leading to a spike in customized travel services [4][6] - Shanxi's Datong is seeing a rise in visitor numbers at historical sites, with an average of 100,000 daily visitors reported over the past week [9][13] - Xinjiang's Tianshan Tianchi is attracting over 11,000 daily visitors, with a total of over 3 million visitors this year, marking an 11% increase year-on-year [16][18] Group 3: Outdoor Activities and Events - Guangdong's outdoor sports routes are gaining popularity, with a focus on integrating various outdoor activities with natural and cultural sites, enhancing the overall visitor experience [19][21] - The Yellow River Hukou Waterfall tourism area will implement a daily visitor limit of 30,000 during the peak viewing season to ensure safety and improve the visitor experience [22][24]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing trend of travel agencies in China to charge a customization consultation fee to combat the rising issue of clients taking advantage of their services without making a purchase. This shift aims to enhance transaction efficiency and reduce the prevalence of "freeloading" behavior among clients [6][11][24]. Group 1: Freeloading Behavior - Travel agencies are experiencing a surge in clients who excessively modify travel plans and then choose not to proceed with bookings, leading to frustration among agency staff [2][3]. - Examples of freeloading include clients demanding detailed itineraries and then using them to negotiate lower prices with other agencies or opting for self-guided trips after receiving extensive planning assistance [4][5]. Group 2: Introduction of Consultation Fees - Many travel agencies are now requesting a customization consultation fee after understanding a client's needs, which has surprised clients who are accustomed to free services [7][8]. - The fees vary widely among agencies, with some charging a flat rate, while others base it on the length of the trip or a percentage of the total travel cost [10][11]. Group 3: Rationale Behind Consultation Fees - The primary intention behind charging consultation fees is not profit but to improve transaction efficiency and deter freeloading behavior [11][24]. - Agencies are facing pressure to increase the efficiency of their sales processes due to reduced staff and the need to maximize the productivity of existing employees [11][19]. Group 4: Industry Challenges and Historical Context - The call for consultation fees is not new; similar discussions have occurred in the past, notably around 2019, but previous attempts largely failed due to market dynamics and internal competition among agencies [13][16]. - The travel agency sector is highly competitive, with a significant increase in the number of agencies but a decrease in market share, leading to a buyer's market where clients have substantial negotiating power [18][19]. Group 5: Current Market Dynamics - The current environment is different, as many agencies are focusing on niche markets and unique products, which provides them with the confidence to charge consultation fees [23][24]. - Agencies are adopting a more selective approach to client acquisition, aiming to filter out low-value clients and focus on those who are more likely to convert [25][26]. Group 6: Future Outlook - The sustainability of the consultation fee trend remains uncertain, as the industry must unify its approach to effectively implement such fees [20][21]. - The article suggests that industry associations could play a role in exploring the feasibility of standardizing consultation fees and addressing consumer concerns regarding service quality [26].