The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games will provide great opportunities for China's tourism industry, said Aris Spiliotopoulos, Minister of Tourism of the Hellenic Republic, during his visit in Beijing on Tuesday.

Olympic-related tourism has become one of the key economic legacies for host countries. As the birthplace of modern Olympics and host country of the last summer Olympic Games, Greece has benefited greatly from the international sporting event.

By hosting the Olympic Games, China will have an excellent opportunity to showcase its latest technology, economic development and young generations to the world like never before, Spiliotopoulos told chinadaily.com.cn in an exclusive interview.

In order to maximize opportunities from the Olympics, Beijing has to make a strategic plan in advance, especially on how to turn Olympic stadiums and gymnasiums into culture and tourism facilities, he explained, when talking about Greece's experience.

(China Daily November 28, 2007)