China's tourism sector has lost 53.4 billion yuan (US$7.6 billion) from the 8.0-magnitude earthquake that hit Sichuan Province on May 12.

According to the China Tourism Administration, 54 people, including one from Taiwan and 53 mainland tourists, were killed in Sichuan. Another 25 were injured, while 55,487 were held back.

The Sichuan tourism industry lost 52.83 billion yuan, while Shaanxi Province lost 290 million yuan. Gansu Province lost 181 million yuan.

The quake has damaged roads, telecom, water and electrical supply systems, as well as hotels, restaurants. Some travel agencies have had to stop business.

More than 300,000 staff who work in tourism industry may lose their jobs or receive no pay.

(Xinhua News Agency June 5, 2008)