Source: CCTV.com

04-29-2008 13:32

Special Report:   2008 Beijing Olympic Games

Time now for our BizChina 360 Olympics Special, celebrating the 100-day countdown to the Beijing Games. So far we've looked at the budget, the environmental upgrades, and the marketing involved.

Today, in the fourth episode, we take a look at how Beijing's service industry is shaping up to handle its biggest test in modern history. And with 280,000 athletes, referees, journalists, and another 1.5 million expected visitors, it's got its work cut out for it.

Beijing's service industry is shaping up to handle its biggest test in modern history.

"Hello! "

"Good morning!"

"Welcome to Beijing! Where are you going to?"

"Are you going to Beijing to Hotel?"

The simple English these taxi drivers speak, hopefully, will make international visitors feel more welcomed when they arrive in Beijing this summer. Helping the city's 60 thousand taxi drivers learn some english before the Olympics is part of Beijing government's effort to ensure a smooth arrival and stay for all international visitors.

One Beijing taxi driver said "English has become a compulsory course for us. We have classes twice a month. It's called "Taxi English".

Besides taking a cab, taking the subway is also another option. Beijing has greatly expanded its subway network, including a new Olympic line, ahead of the games. It now takes no more than 50 minutes to travel between any two places in town.

Banning half of the private cars from the road throughout the sporting event will also help relief Beijing's notorious traffic. And at the end of the day, hassle-free commuting helps contribute to a positive Olympic experience.

When it comes to good food, that might not be as hard. Chinese people love to eat. And are famously good at it. Visitors are also looking forward to a nice meal.

One foreign visitor said "I want to know what the real Chinese food taste like. Because in my country, Chinese food has been westernized. I think local food here will be good."

And as foreign visitors get busy practicing their chopstick skills, Beijing's restaurants are busy upgrading their services.

According to Beijing Olympic Committee, the summer games will bring 2.7 billion US dollars in business to Beijing's catering industry. That's almost 100 percent of the city's annual catering industry trade. It gives restaurants enough reason to step up their game by providing the best possible quality food and service.

Kang Li, Catering Service Chief of Games Service Department of BOCOG said "Our preparations for the 2008 Beijing Olympics include a food safety and quality program. All the restaurants in the city are undergoing reviews to determine its qualification levels. "