Tourist numbers fall in China's Olympic year

01 July 2008 by
Tourist numbers fall in China's Olympic year

The amount of tourists visiting the Chinese capital of Beijing has fallen in the country's Olympic year.

According to a report on the BBC News website the number of tourists visiting the Chinese capital in May was 14% lower than the same period of 2007.

Officials had expected the Olympics to attract more visitors, but visa requirements and over-zealous security officials have led to a fall in tourist demand.

Businessmen say it has become harder to travel into China, and many long-term foreign residents in Beijing have had difficulties renewing their visas.

A number of new hotels have been built for the Olympic Games and others refurbished but many say business is slow.

A few weeks ago, China issued a "legal guide" for foreigners arriving in China for the Olympics that contained a list of dos and don'ts, including a ban on sleeping outside, displaying "insulting slogans or banners".

BBC Olympics article in full>>

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By Gemma Sharkey

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