RIZHAO, China, Nov 25 (Bernama-AsiaNet) — The homestay industry has in recent years witnessed fast development in Rizhao, Shandong. The city has forged a new path of reform and innovation, creating a Rizhao Model for the development of the homestay industry, by active exploration and efforts in areas such as legal compliance, standards, quality-oriented growth, and industry clusters, according to the Information Office of Rizhao Municipal People’s Government. The 2021 Dragon Boat Festival Holiday Travel Big Data Report released by Ctrip in June this year reveals that Rizhao has experienced one of the most robust increases in bookings for holiday accommodation. As of November, Rizhao has 56 boutique homestays and 1,200 Yujiale fishing-themed tourist establishments.
The boutique homestays market segment in Rizhao emerged in 1999 when the first batch of Yujiale establishments opened for operation in Wangjiazao Village. During the ensuing two decades, Rizhao has expended unremitting effort in a quality-oriented, brand-based, industrialized development approach, including an improved license application and handling process, optimized approval process, strengthened policies, and financial support. Five Rural Revitalization Demonstration Projects have been launched, namely Beautiful Villages, Rural Complex, Featured Towns, Modern Agricultural Industrial Parks, and Boutique Homestays. The boutique homestays project aims to promote sustained development of the homestay industry, satisfying demand for various levels of accommodation.