Hotel vacancies in Beijing during the Olympic Games

Due to strict visa regulations caused by security concerns during the Olympic Games the numbers of tourists in Beijing are somewhat less than expected.  As a result, hotel vacancies in Beijing during the Olympic Games stand at about 20 per cent.  Officials believe that once the Olympic Games are over there will be a peak of tourism in the city.

The deputy head of The China National Tourism Administration, Wang Zhifa, said "From the day before yesterday, the average occupancy rate in Beijing hotels was 81.2 percent, which is quite a good level, though of course lower than the peak period.  We have done a survey on cities which have hosted previous Olympics. Generally speaking regular visitors will avoid the peak period during the Olympic Games. Only athletes, coaches and fans will visit then.  According to previous experiences, the peak period for tourism in host cities is once the Olympics have ended,"

The average room price in Beijing is currently 30 per cent higher than regular prices.  The city is currently expecting to welcome up to 500,000 tourists visiting for the games.

Zhifia also addressed speculation regarding the visa application in China by stating "Tightening visas is mainly to ensure that athletes and people who want to come and watch the Games can.  Over this period, we are mainly guaranteeing that athletes and fans who want to watch the Olympics can come as planned.  Some visitors may think it's more complex to get a visa, but there are no special restrictions in place."

http://en.cnta.gov.cn