Even as President Hu Jintao said preparations for the Games have entered their 'final dash' and urged officials to ensure roads, train stations and airports are ready for a torrent of visitors, it seems like there may not be that many tourists after all.

Instead, hotels and travel agencies say many potential travellers are being put off by tightening visa rules, polluted Beijing air and officials who seem more concerned with keeping out foreigners than welcoming them.

China has spent a reported US$40 billion (S$55 billion) on new infrastructure and stunning venues, hoping to impress visitors with a modern city attractive to foreign tourists.

But this may not play out, which could shake an industry that has more than doubled its four- and five-star hotels offerings to 160 since Beijing was awarded the Olympics seven years ago.

'There's not much time left, and we have a way to go,' said Marriott Courtyard Beijing's general manager Anthony Ha.

According to the Beijing Tourism Bureau, the number of foreign visitors to Beijing in May dropped by 12.5 per cent from a year ago.

Among the biggest drops were Japanese visitors, down 45 per cent. American arrivals shrunk by 17.15 per cent.

The earthquake on May 12 that killed almost 70,000 in Sichuan province may account for some of the decrease.

So may a slumping world economy, and off-putting images of deadly rioting on March 14 in Tibet, followed by chaotic pro-Tibet protests on international legs of the torch relay.

But the tourist no-shows also coincide with new stringent visa regulations, making it tough for tourists and business executives to come in. Students have also been targeted, with the government fearing they might side with political activists if protests erupt during the Olympics.

In Singapore, most travel agents have decided not to offer tours to Beijing during the Games because of little demand.

Most Singaporeans are staying away because of the escalating costs of hotel accommodation. A night at a four-star hotel can be as high as S$800. The usual price is S$100.

Along with hotels, homeowners who hoped to land a windfall by leasing their homes or apartments are also disappointed.

Website manager Song Zhi said he had 200 units but only 20 were reserved. The average price is about 1,000 yuan (S$200).

He said: 'There're not even many people making inquires about pricing. We had expected a peak in June, but that peak has yet to come.'

Ms Guo Lingmei, general manager of marketing for BTG Travel in Beijing, said high hotel prices and difficulties obtaining tickets were discouraging tourists.

Beijing organisers have said 6.8 million tickets were available for the Games, but most were swooped up domestically.

Some established five-star hotels are in good shape - at least during the Olympics - having secured reservations from Olympic sponsors or national Olympic committee delegations.

'We don't have any problems at all,' said Mr Marco Sander, director of marketing and sales at the 526-room Kempinski Hotel. He said his high-powered guests were a sure bet.

There are also reports of bar areas in Beijing being forced to close early during the Games, with a few around town dubbing these the 'Killjoy Games' or 'All-China Games'.

ASSOCIATED PRESS, REUTERS