Core Insights - The skiing market in China is experiencing a surge in popularity, with the number of ski visits expected to reach a record high of 26.05 million in the 2024-2025 season, driven by the enthusiasm generated post the Beijing Winter Olympics [2][6] - Despite the growth in skier numbers, the majority are casual tourists or beginners, leading to a low penetration rate of only 0.85% in China compared to over 10% in countries like the US and Japan [6][8] - The skiing industry in China is currently characterized by a price war among ski resorts, with ticket prices dropping significantly, making skiing appear affordable for many [10][13] Market Dynamics - The number of ski resorts in China has increased from 524 in 2018 to 914 in 2024, with an annual compound growth rate of 9.8%, intensifying competition in the market [21][23] - Many ski resorts are struggling to maintain profitability due to high operational costs, which can exceed 100 million yuan annually, and a short operational season of 3 to 5 months [21][23] - The current market is divided between high-end and budget ski resorts, with many resorts failing to find a clear positioning, leading to operational challenges [8][21] Consumer Behavior - A significant portion of new skiers start with low-cost options, with nearly one-third spending less than 1,000 yuan annually on skiing, primarily judging the sport's affordability based on ticket prices [13][15] - Hidden costs associated with skiing, such as equipment, clothing, transportation, and lessons, often lead to a much higher total expenditure, with many enthusiasts spending over 10,000 yuan annually [15][17] - The trend of "cheap skiing" is prevalent, but many consumers overlook the cumulative costs that can make skiing an expensive hobby [15][19] Industry Challenges - The rapid expansion of ski resorts has led to concerns about quality and sustainability, with many resorts facing the risk of closure or underutilization due to poor planning and excessive competition [23] - The industry is currently experiencing a "low price, low quality" cycle, where resorts attract customers with low prices but struggle to provide adequate services, leading to dissatisfaction among skiers [23][24] - The long-term success of the skiing market in China hinges on transforming casual visitors into dedicated enthusiasts, fostering a culture of sustained participation in the sport [24]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of consumer awareness and effective complaint channels during the winter season, which sees a rise in seasonal consumption activities such as ice and snow tourism, hot spring vacations, and holiday shopping [1][8]. Group 1: Identifying Risks Before Consumption - Consumers are encouraged to research merchants' reputations and service quality before making payments or placing orders to avoid potential pitfalls [1]. - Key methods for risk identification include checking online reviews on platforms like Meituan, Dazhong Dianping, and Ctrip, focusing on negative feedback to gauge service reliability [6]. - Consumers should also investigate whether a business has a history of complaints, particularly in areas like bundled sales or refund delays, to assess service reliability [6]. - Awareness of common dispute types in specific industries during peak seasons can help consumers verify details more effectively [6]. Group 2: Complaint Channels - Official administrative complaint channels include the national 12315 platform, which handles various consumer rights issues, and the 12345 government service hotline for local grievances [3]. - Industry self-regulatory organizations, such as the China Travel Service Association, can provide effective resolution in specific sectors [3]. - Third-party online complaint platforms like Black Cat Complaints offer quick and user-friendly options for consumers seeking to resolve issues with businesses [3][7]. Group 3: Features of Black Cat Complaints - Black Cat Complaints supports multiple submission methods, including website, app, and mini-program, enhancing user convenience [4]. - The platform has a robust enterprise response mechanism, featuring modules like "Enterprise Reply Ranking" to encourage businesses to address consumer issues proactively [5]. - Users can track the status of their complaints in real-time, with clear categorization and matching to the appropriate customer service representatives [7]. Group 4: Choosing the Right Complaint Channel by Industry - Different industries require tailored complaint approaches; for example, tourism and hotel issues are best addressed through Black Cat Complaints or the 12301 tourism hotline [8]. - Telecommunications and network package complaints can be directed to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's complaint platform in addition to 12315 [8]. - Financial and insurance disputes should be prioritized through the 12378 hotline of the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission [8]. Group 5: Conclusion - The article concludes that rational consumption and effective use of complaint tools are essential for enjoying the winter season while minimizing disputes [8][9].

Core Viewpoint - The event "Cultural and Tourism Consumption Month" aims to stimulate the cultural, tourism, and commercial sectors through innovative mechanisms, including the distribution of over 1 million consumption vouchers, to boost regional economic activity [2][6]. Group 1: Event Overview - The event was launched on June 20 at the Longhua District Future City Exhibition Hall, featuring online distribution of over 1 million cultural and tourism consumption vouchers and a three-day market event at the Hongshan 6979 business district [2][3]. - The initiative is designed to create a "government platform, merchant discounts, and union subsidies" model to enhance consumer engagement and economic recovery [2][6]. Group 2: Consumption Vouchers - The consumption vouchers are divided into two main categories: "Enjoy Beautiful Accommodation" and "Play in Longhua," covering various local hotels and attractions [3]. - For example, a regular two-hour ski ticket at Karu Ice World priced at 208 yuan can be purchased for only 148 yuan using a 200 yuan discount voucher [3]. Group 3: Market Activities - The launch event included a live broadcast on multiple official platforms, with 6,600 vouchers released, leading to a rush for the vouchers [4]. - The market event featured product displays, interactive experiences, and live performances, attracting thousands of participants and creating a vibrant consumer atmosphere [4]. Group 4: Business Collaborations - The event also involved partnerships with real estate and automotive companies, offering additional discounts and benefits, such as a 2% discount on home purchases and a 2,000 yuan fuel card with car purchases [4]. - This cross-industry collaboration aims to create new consumer scenarios by integrating cultural tourism with real estate and automotive sectors [4]. Group 5: Long-term Strategy - The Longhua District Cultural, Radio, Television, Tourism, and Sports Bureau emphasizes the importance of cultural and tourism integration for economic growth and plans to continue promoting such initiatives [5][6]. - Future activities will include launching a must-try food list, developing concert economies, and creating unique travel routes to enhance tourism offerings and consumer engagement [6].