Source: CCTV.com

08-28-2008 11:43

Many tourist attractions in Southwest Sichuan Province are now reopen after being shut following the Wenchuan earthquake in May. In fact, business is picking up fast... with authorities expecting a travel peak in the months ahead.

Many tourist attractions in Southwest Sichuan Province are  now reopen after being shut following the Wenchuan  earthquake in May.

Local authorities say Sichuan's tourism sector has largely recovered from the quake in May. Tourist numbers have been rising, especially after the famous scenic spots Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong reopened in early August. Thousands now flock daily to just those two places, compared to just a few dozen in July.

Chongqing tourist,said,

"The natural scenery is amazing. The mountains, and the water. And everything is still beautiful after the earthquake."

Local travel agencies say many top tourists attractions such as Panda Lake in Jiuzhaigou suffered little damage in the earthquake. While the ropeways in Huanglong have also been repaired.

Wang Qing,Director Tourism Marketing Management,Jiuzhaigou,saide,

"The Olympics and the earthquake kept some tourists away. But I believe they still want to come. We predict tourist numbers will pick up even more after September."

Local tourism authorities say the airport servicing Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong can handle up to 60 take-offs and landings every day, and daily passenger volumes of more than 10,000. But tourist numbers have risen dramatically after August the 24th. Sichuan Airlines is already taking action to meet surging demand. From Tuesday onwards, it will increase the number of flights to Jiuzhaigou from 3 per week to one every day of the week.