China will celebrate the 13th annual China Tourism Day on May 19 in Tengchong, Yunnan province.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in collaboration with the Yunnan provincial government, announced on Thursday this year's theme as "Beautiful China, Happy Journey", and that there will be a series of online and in-person activities.

According to Gao Bo, an official from the ministry, multiple travel platform data indicate that the peak booking period for the upcoming May Day holiday has arrived earlier than expected, and it is anticipated that there will be a strong surge in demand for travel among the public.

This year's China Tourism Day is focused on the core objectives of deeply promoting mass tourism, exploring the development of green tourism, accelerating the cultivation of smart tourism, actively advocating civilized tourism, and promoting the deep integration of culture and tourism, according to Li Xiaoyong, an official from the ministry.

Throughout May, 10 major promotional events will be held to celebrate national tourism day, including events entitled "5.19 at 10,000 meters" and "5.19 sailing through wind and waves".

Li explained that the "5.19 at 10,000 meters" refers to themed flights created by Hainan Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Capital Airlines and others. A series of ticket discount activities will be launched to benefit the public.

During the themed week, from May 14 to 18, the cities of Yangzhou, Changsha, Haikou, Xiamen and Xi'an will each focus on a specific theme such as smart, mass, green, civilized and cultural tourism.

"These activities aim to further boost the confidence of those in the tourism industry, stimulate the consumption potential of the tourism market, and promote a rapid recovery and development of the cultural and tourism sectors," Li said.

On May 19, the launch ceremony for China Tourism Day will be held in Heshun ancient town in Tengchong. A series of activities will take place from May 19 to 21 including a tourism product exhibition, a Baoshan intangible cultural heritage tourism exhibition and a tourism high-quality development forum.

According to Lou Kewei, deputy director of Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, one highlight of the events is that during the forum on tourism development, the first-ever provincial-level report on low-carbon travel for a Chinese tourism destination will be unveiled.

This report will fill the gap in China's low-carbon travel standards, Lou said.