Tourism regains momentum in Sichuan
Source: CCTV.com | 05-04-2009 13:54
The earthquake which rocked Sichuan last May also dealt a heavy blow to local tourism. As the reconstruction continues, a series of promotional initiatives are being carried out, and the sector is booming once again. CCTV reporter Zhang Lu visited some local scenic places and filed this report.
The queues at a ticket office in this Dujiangyan park are long. Most people waiting here have a "Panda Card" a special tourist voucher issued by the provincial government. Card-holders like Wang Qian, can visit Dujiangyan for free.
Tourist from Henan Wang Qian said, "The Panda Card is very good, we can visit 11 sight-seeing places around Chengdu without paying the ticket fee. I think this is a major reason why there are so many tourists."
Wang Qian said one reason why she came to Sichuan is because she wants to see what the situation is like one year after the earthquake.
Lin Xueting is a local tour guide. She says the disaster impacted the industry greatly last year...But the situation has improved quite a lot.
Tour guide Lin Xueting said, "Form April, the number of tourists has continued to increase quickly. I have recently been quite busy with many tour groups. "
The Deputy Director of the Dujiangyan management office said the quick growth in tourist numbers exceeds their expectations.
Zhang Zhongsheng, deputy director of Dept. of Marketing, Dujiangyan management office"In the first quarter, the number of tourists increased to the same level of last year. And in April, the number is 8 percent higher. Based on this momentum, we are confident that 2009 will be as good as 2007. "
Dujiangyan suffered some damage in the quake. Reconstruction and maintenance of the damaged buildings continues. Zhang Zhongsheng said efforts are being made to accelerate the reconstruction. Nanqiao Bridge is one example. The bridge was damaged in the quake. But it was rebuilt quickly and reopened in April.
Li Jun has been selling flutes here for several years. The disaster destroyed not only the bridge, but his livelihood.
Flute seller Li Jun said, "It's very good that I can come back to continue selling flutes and make some money. It took less time than I expected. The new bridge is as good as before and is attracting many visitors."
There are many others like Li Jun, whose livelihoods depend on the state of the tourism sector. The local government promises to continue its efforts to revive the industry.
Chen Guangjian, director of Dujiangyan Bureau of Tourism, said, "We are trying our best to improve facilities and infrastructure related to the tourism sector. Since the city as a whole was badly damaged, it is taking time for the sector to fully recover. But it is going well and we are optimistic."
In other parts of Sichuan, tourism is also getting back on track. Policies and financial support have been arranged to ensure growth.
词汇释义:
1.blow n.殴打, 突然的打击
2.provincial adj.省的
3.momentum n.动力, 要素
4.maintenance n.维护, 保持, 生活费用, 扶养
5.revive v.(使)苏醒, (使)复兴, (使)复活, (使)再生效, 回想