Qingdao's accommodation market is recovering quickly, with the peak tourism season starting and transaction volumes firming up.

Multiple factors, such as the summer holiday, free admission to scenic spots, and major festivals including the Qingdao International Beer Festival and the Qingdao International Marine Festival, are giving a welcome fillip to the city's accommodation and catering industries.

Tourists check in at a hotel in Qingdao, Shandong province. [Photo/qingdaonews.com]

Official statistics show that, since the start of August, the average occupancy rate of five-star hotels in the city has been over 80 percent, and that of four-star hotels has been nearly 70 percent. The occupancy rate of homestays is also rising constantly.

The Hilton Hotel located near the Golden Beach Beer City, the main venue for the annual beer carnival, was full up on July 31, the opening day of the beer festival.

"The beer festival gives a strong impetus for the recovery of the hotel industry," said Yan Wei, general manager of the Qingdao Hilton Hotel.

"In August we had an average occupancy rate of 91 percent. We were full on weekends and often full in the middle of the week. At present, the room price is around 1,100 yuan ($158.29)," he said. "With catering, the contribution rate of the festival to the hotel's revenue is around 55 percent."

Brews and snacks from across the globe are on offer during the 30th Qingdao International Beer Festival. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"The number of guests has been increasing since July 25. The occupancy rate increased by 20 percent during the beer festival and can even reach 90 percent on weekends," said Chen Baopeng, general manager of Wyndham Grand Qingdao.

The arrival of the tourist season has also boosted the recovery of local homestays.

Farmhouses that offer food and board are resuming business in Laoshan district.

"Due to the epidemic, consumers are keener to make countryside trips rather than city tours. They also prefer suburban tours to cross-provincial tours," said a homestay owner.

"We have launched different types of guest rooms with various themes and prices to cater to more groups of tourists."

Beer tents are awash with loud music and performances during the annual beer carnival in Qingdao. [Photo/IC]