| A record number of tourists visited the city this year, and tourists spending appears to have increased. Hotel occupancy rates are likely to exceed the world average. The latest issue of the Tourist Association's Travel Bulletin says that last year's record arrivals figure of 2.5 million was passed last month. During the month, traditionally the peak tourist period of the year, hotels were reporting an 87% plus occupancy rate. The Bulletin notes an increased tendency this year for people to visit the city on holiday. Last year, 65% of the visitors came for holidays while 21% were on business. "This year's figures so far are showing a swing in favour of more vocation travelers plus an increase in the arrivals for meetings and conferences," the Bulletin reports. Total tourist expenditure was running about 10% higher earlier this year over the same period last year. Visitors spent 11 million yuan last year, a substantial increase over the previous year. Money spent on shopping, however -- the largest single visitor expenditure -- dropped slightly in the first half of the year, but spending on items such as tours, dining and entertainment increased. Nevertheless, money spent by tourists in shops still accounted for 60% of total tourist expenditure. The rest was spent mainly on hotel accommodation and meals. |
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