In the aftermath of the central government's decision to cancel the weeklong holiday to prevent the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome, an avalanche of calls rained down on local travel agency offices yesterday, with most customers scrapping their travel plans.

"We have been busy taking calls since we stepped into office," said Wang Zhicheng of Shanghai China International Travel Service Co Ltd.

Although people will still have five consecutive days off (including weekends) - two days less than the usual holiday, many have reconsidered their plans on long-distance trips.

"It has further hurt our business," said Wang.

About a week ago, China banned travel to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand - popular destinations for local tourists - after they were declared SARS-infected areas by the World Health Organization.

"We had hoped to compensate from domestic trips during the holiday, but it was not to be," Wang said.

But travel agencies have assured that all those who have booked for trips and paid money will be refunded in full.

Usually, travel agencies charge tourists 5 percent of the package fee in case of cancellation.

"But it's a different situation, and agencies will shoulder any loss caused by the cancellation," an official with Jin Jiang Tours Ltd said.

Despite the central government's emphasis that it "did not want to keep everyone at home," travel agencies are unsure whether local tours will remain popular.

Wang cited the magnetic levitation train as an example.

Since it started sightseeing operations on January 1, the rail line has drawn huge crowds. A 150-yuan (US$18) round-trip ticket for the 30-minute ride between Longyang Road metro station and Pudong International Airport was even sold for 1,000 yuan in the black market.

"Now, some have called to ask whether they would be refunded if they cancel the trip," said Wang, whose company is one of the ticket sellers.

It is the first time that the Chinese government has canceled a weeklong holiday - there are three in a year - since they were inaugurated on October 1, 1999, to boost the domestic economy.

(eastday.com April 22, 2003)