Some Shanghai travel agencies have started setting up tours for
the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, and the earliest travel group is
expected to head to the capital at the end of this year.
Spring International Travel Service said it is now setting up an
itinerary for the Olympic tours and tour groups to Beijing before
the Game's curtain rises, which includes stops to the stadiums and
other facilities newly built for the Games.
The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games officially kicks off from August
8 to 24 next year.
The traditional scenic spots of the capital will also be
included, such as the Palace Museum and the ancient relics of
Yuanmingyuan, said Yu Xinying, an official with the agency.
"We're also thinking of opening up more options for the tours
around and during the Games, and we'll even book the tickets for
the tourists or groups," said Yu.
However, Yu said the agency is still taking a wait and see type
of attitude over the Olympic market, since the prices in Beijing
hotels will allegedly be eight times higher during the Games.
"This is what our Beijing counterparts told us," said Yu. "But
the hotel quotes for the Olympic period haven't been released
yet."
Another problem is that the government may take over hotel
resources during the Games, and distribute rooms to overseas
officials and spectators, according to Shanghai Holiday Tour
Agency.
"The Olympic tour is on our schedule, but so many factors are
yet to be determined," said Hu Xin, the agent's public relations
manager.
Enimen Su, a local foreign trade company employee, said the
probable price rise of hotel stays is acceptable and
understandable.
"If I had enough money and time, of course I would take the
Olympic tour into consideration," he said. "After all, it's really
a rare chance to watch the Olympic Games on my homeland."
(Shanghai Daily March 7, 2007)