Travel agencies in Sichuan have reported a total loss of 283 million yuan and hotels reported more than 9.5 billion yuan in losses, statistics from Sichuan Provincial Tourism Bureau show.

"An important thing for us is to gradually help rebuild tourists' confidence," said Xiong Longdong, head of the marketing department of the Sichuan Provincial Tourism Bureau.

Fortunately, Xiong said, the Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area, about 200 km away from the epicenter, did not suffer any damages in the quake, although road links had been cut.

"In addition, lots of scenic spots in areas far away from the epicenter were not affected," he said.

Local tourism authorities have yet to work out a reconstruction plan for the industry as disaster relief in quake-hit areas remains the top priority, according to director Zhang.

"In post-quake reconstruction, we will first rebuild the tourist sites on the World Heritage List," he said. "It may take at least two years to renovate the damaged ancient relics," he added.

A village where the Tibetans congregate before the earthquake

Despite the adversities, travel service manager Huang looked forward to the future optimistically.

"I think the tourism market would begin recovering in June, and in July and August a number of tourists would come to Sichuan during schools holidays," he said.

"In September and October, a gold season for sightseeing in Jiuzhaigou, more tourists will fly there," he added.

(Xinhua News Agency May 30, 2008)