Tourism Slow as Olympics Gate

Beijing's prospect Olympic Games does not drop in to be drawing as many people to the cash as expected this year.
Figures show the figure of international tourists visiting the Chinese capital fell by more than 14% in May compared to the year before.

Officials had hoped the Olympics would help attract increasing numbers of foreign tourists to Beijing throughout the year and beyond.

But tougher visa requirements, and concerns that officials are enhanced worried approximately security than organising a party, appears to get dampened demand.

Figures from Beijing Tourism Bureau show there were far fewer visitors from Japan, South Korea and the United States - three capacious markets - in May.

A number of virgin hotels have been built for an Olympic opening, others have been refurbished, nevertheless innumerable say episode is slow.

"Our business in Jun and for July is not as crack as last year. There are now fewer foreign tourists," said a spokeswoman from Beijing's Swiss Hotel.

Tourism chiefs blame the opposite publicity caused by the snow storms in southern China earlier this year and the Sichuan earthquake.

Visa problems

On the other hand others point to China's tougher visa requirements, which hog unreal it more exhausting for tourists to holiday the country.

And it is not lone tourists that gain been affected - foreign businesses operating in China and individuals living here have also complained.

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

Some visa applicants now retain to accommodate hotel vouchers, onward or return tickets and an invitation correspondence before being allowed into the country.

Dos and don'ts

And those who conceive it to Beijing for the games face a quantity of restrictions that could dampen the party spirit.

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.

Foreigners testament not be allowed to sleep outside, and will chalk up to register with the police within 24 hours if they stay with a Beijing resident.

They are banned from displaying insulting slogans or banners at sports venues or those relating to politics, religion or race.

Following unrest in Tibet earlier this year, officials seem worried about the possibility of anti-government demonstrations.

And in a city where pubs and clubs regularly stay open beyond dawn, the guide states that these must close by 2am.

No craving for party

China is also interested in staging a smoothly fall games, without any hiccups, than in hosting a party, according to Professor Joseph Cheng.

"The Chinese authorities are besides interested in the demonstration effect of the Olympics," explained Mr Cheng, of Hong Kong's City University.

"They see the Olympics as a grand event that will show the buildup and modernisation of China, and raise its international status."

China does not see it quite conforming this, saying thousands of performers will take detail in a festival of culture this summer.

"We believe it will be the richest and most diverse in Olympic history," said Olympic authenticated Zhao Dongming, according to state-run news agency Xinhua.

China at its best?

But there is no doubt that the Chinese authorities are leaving blank to chance in a bid to fireworks Beijing at its chief for the games.

Taxi drivers are life exhorted to direct their vehicles disinfected and tidy - one complained he was fined for having just one hair on a seat.

And there is a public sanitation campaign to coat of arms out the "four harms" of rats, flies, mosquitoes and cockroaches.

An anti-terrorist impulse of 100,000 commandoes, soldiers and police officers will be on occupation in the weeks running up to, and during, the Olympics.

The increased security presence is clearly visible on Beijing's streets, particularly environing non-native embassies and sports venues.

This could put off revellers, but China might determine that is a insufficient price to pay whether nix unexpected happens in August.

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