With the count-down to the Shanghai World Expo, hotel reservations in the city have reached a peak.

Many hotels say room reservations have increased by as much as 30 percent in the first week of March from the previous year. Some are even running out of rooms.

Insiders predict that the upward trend will continue during the expo. It's expected to drive up room rates by at least 30 percent.

So far, more than 240 countries and international organizations have confirmed their attendance at the expo, the highest number in the event's history.

Organizers predict that consumption during the Shanghai World Expo will top 100 billion yuan with more than one-third going to hotels. Civil aviation, retailers and restaurants will also benefit from the event.