Why did Yichang, Hubei Province implement a 2.5-day flexible leave system? Should the whole country follow suit?

In order to promote the revitalization of the cultural tourism industry, the People's Government of Yichang City, Hubei Province issued a notice on July 20, "Yichang City's Implementation Plan for the 2.5-Day Flexible Vacation System (Trial)", with the trial period starting in 2020 July-December.

This "Notice" involves party and government agencies at all levels in the city and state-owned enterprises and institutions, and other units can implement it voluntarily. At the same time, Yichang City will vigorously develop local tourism and surrounding tourism, implement a preferential policy of half-price tickets every Friday afternoon, provide certain subsidies to tourist attractions in counties and cities, and encourage tourist attractions to issue free admission tickets to tourists. This is definitely good news for the tourism industry. After all, due to the impact of the epidemic, the number of tourists dropped significantly in the first half of this year. I believe that the 2.5-day flexible vacation + half-price tickets will definitely stimulate local tourism and consumption.

The 2.5-day flexible leave system means that half-day leave can be arranged on Friday afternoon, provided that the current weekly working hours remain unchanged, work is properly arranged, and the normal operations of various units and enterprises are not affected. If it happens to be a national holiday, take the day off the afternoon before. Due to their busy work schedule, office workers just want to stay at home and rest on the weekends. If they can take 2.5 days of flexible vacation, although it is only half a day more than usual, plus two days on the weekend, a trip to the surrounding area is still completely enough.

In addition to Yichang City in Hubei Province, some other cities have also implemented policies and want to restart the local tourism industry as soon as possible. For example, Jiujiang City in Jiangxi Province piloted a 2.5-day flexible vacation system from April 1st to June 30th. Hulunbuir City also started a 2.5-day flexible vacation system on June 10th, and the trial period lasted until September 30th. Shengzhou City in Zhejiang Province also issued a 2.5-day flexible vacation system. Implementation opinions on the trial implementation of the 4.5-day flexible work system, which will be implemented from July 1st to December 31st. Although it is currently only implemented in some cities, it is worth promoting nationwide. Not only can it promote consumption replenishment, but traveling can also put people in a good mood.