The coronavirus epidemic in China could wipe USD 5.9 billion to USD 7.7 billion (Rs 4,21,73,79,00,000 to Rs 5,50,40,37,00,000) from Vietnam’s tourism earnings in the next three months as international travelers stay away from the region, state media said on Friday.

The tourism sector estimated to see two million fewer Chinese visitors due to the virus, which could result in USD 1.8-2 billion (Rs 1,42,96,20,00,000 approximately) of lost tourism revenue, reported the official Voice of Vietnam Radio.

China, where the outbreak began late last year, was Vietnam’s biggest source of foreign tourists, accounting for a third of the 18 million visitors last year, official data showed.

Vietnam said it would also stop issuing visas for foreign visitors who had been in China in the past two weeks.