China to see tourism boom during upcoming holidays

China is likely to see a tourism boom during this year's upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, according to a report released by the China Tourism Academy on Tuesday.

Tourism incomes are expected to surge 24 percent from a year earlier to hit 180 billion yuan (28.4 billion U.S. dollars) during the two festivals that fall together this year, extending the holiday to eight days, the report said.

The number of travellers is forecast to increase 20 percent year on year to 362 million during the holiday, said the report.

The report forecast a surge in self-driving tours boosted by a recent government policy to remove road tolls during major festivals, and more overseas travel due to a longer holiday this year.

The report said 87.9 percent, up from 58.3 percent last year, of surveyed residents said they are willing to go on a trip during the holiday that starts Sept. 30.

Aiming to ease traffic woes, the State Council, China's Cabinet, in August approved a plan to lift road tolls for passenger cars taking highways during the country's four major holidays.