World | 2008 Beijing Olympics Tough Visa Rules Threaten to Slash Olympic Tourism Visitors vanish as China boosts security By Matt Cantor Posted Jun 24, 2008 6:31 AM CDT Copied Liu Xiang of China clears a hurdle in the Good Luck Beijing 2008 China Athletics Open at the National Stadium, Saturday, May 24, 2008, in Beijing. The competition is a test event for the Olympics. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Heightened visa restrictions in China have shrunk tourism ahead of the Beijing Olympics, the New York Times reports. Numbers of foreign visitors to Beijing fell 14% last month when government officials tightened the rules to bolster security. “Business is so bleak,” said one hotel worker. “Our occupancy rate has dropped by 40%." Beijing had expected the Olympics to bring in $4.5 billion, but now that’s looking like wishful thinking, economists say. Read These Next Rudy Giuliani has 'some healing to do.' Bill Belichick's first big UNC game didn't go well. Amy Coney Barrett explains her vote to overturn Roe v. Wade. That CEO who grabbed a tennis pro's hat has some words. Report an error