The Sichuan tourism industry is likely to completely recover by 2010 after the brutal earthquake in May 2008, says the Sichuan Provisional Tourism Bureau.
The Sichuan Provisional Tourism Bureau disclosed that Sichuan tourism industry revenues reached about US$ 17.66 Billion (121.7 Billion Yuan) in 2007 and accounted nearly 11.6% of province’s GDP, as China reported.
According to the bureau, the Sichuan tourism sector employs around 400,000 people. However, out of about 4,000 sites in the province, nearly 568 were destroyed in May 2008 earthquake, bringing losses to the tune of US$ 7.2 Billion (50 Billion Yuan) to the tourism industry of the province. In spite of this, the officials think that the rural tourism industry is likely to recover in 2009 and the whole industry, together with the earthquake affected areas, is expected to recover in 2010.
The Sichuan tourism sector is badly affected by the earthquake and is likely to face decline in coming months. However, the efforts made by government and tourism organizations of the province are leading to continuous improvement in the damaged infrastructure of the industry.
Moreover, to restart its tourism industry, Sichuan revived its 12 cities, such as Panzhihua, the Liangshan Yi independent city, Meishan and Ziyang, Dazhou, Zigong, Luzhou, Neijiang, Nanchong, Guang'an, Yibin, Suining and Leshan. The tourism industry of the province is trying to attract a large number of tourists with the help of its residents and requesting various cities and provinces to help in re-construction of Sichuan, to mange tourists for the province.
Some sites, such as Dujiangyan and Mount Qingcheng, are just partly destroyed and need some construction after which it will be reopened for tourists, while scenic spots like Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou are in perfect shape and open for the visitors. Also, Sichuan is working on revival of its tourism industry and is planning to emphasis on the Chengdu-Mount Emei-Leshan Giant Buddha route this year only to prove that it is safe for visit.
A RNCOS Research Analyst said, “The earthquake badly affected the Sichuan tourism industry, and the impact has been transferred to the overall Chinese tourism industry. However, the government initiatives are helping in improving the industry by attracting more tourists to the province and thus, will lead to growth in Chinese tourism industry.”
Related Market Research Reports:
Booming Medical Tourism in India
China Tourism Industry Analysis (2007-2011)
Egypt Tourism Sector Analysis
