China province increases policy support for epidemic-hit tourism sector

East China's Jiangsu province has released a slew of measures, including launching a relief fund to help cultural and tourism firms weather the coronavirus epidemic.

The province will allocate 100 million yuan (about 14.3 million U.S. dollars) to support cultural and tourism enterprises as their businesses face a downside due to the epidemic, according to the provincial government.

About 450 travel agencies and 90 internet cafes in the province will be selected and subsidized based on criteria such as scale and contribution in 2019, according to the new policy.

Jiangsu will also provide subsidies and loan discount interest to A-level tourist attractions, key rural tourism enterprises, and star-rated hotels this year. In addition, the province will exempt loan interests for tourism companies.

"We formulated these measures to help cultural and tourism enterprises alleviate business difficulties, boost their development, and help them remain confident," said Yang Zhichun, head of the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism.

During the epidemic, more than 4,300 public cultural service institutions such as libraries and museums were temporarily closed in Jiangsu. Over 2,900 travel agencies have canceled travel contracts with over 300,000 customers.