Tourism regains momentum in Sichuan

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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 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.

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.