BEIJING, June 12 -- The number of tourists visiting Shanghai city is still being affected by the global economic downturn, according to statistics released by tourism authorities Monday.

    1.94 million

    From January to April, the city received more than 1.94 million inbound tourists, down about 11 percent from the same period last year, said the Shanghai Tourism Administration. Officials said some tour agencies have temporarily shut their inbound businesses.

    Tour agencies said the inbound tourism market is not expected to recover soon because swine flu has also made a dent in the market.

    45 percent

    The administration said hotel occupancy rates in the city were only 45.9 percent from January to April, down around 10 percent from the same period last year.

    468 yuan

    The average hotel price in the city was 468 yuan (US$68) a night from January to April, down nearly 19 percent from last year. Almost all the luxury hotels are providing discounts or cheap conference packages. Some luxury hotels are currently offering up to a 50 percent discount.

   (Source: Shanghai Daily)