"Olympic Homestay" recruitment has officially launched, and more than 1,000 families will be recruited to provide accommodation for foreign tourists, according to an announcement by the Beijing Municipal Tourism Administration and the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau on April 10.
Homestay families will preliminarily charge guests between 400 and 600 yuan per day, and then according to some specifics such type of room and whether the stay includes breakfast, so that the final price is based on an agreement.
The China International Travel Service Head Office (CITS) and the China Travel Service Head Office (CTS) are responsible for propagating information and organizing the reception of foreign visitor groups for "Olympic Homestays." Tourists who live in with "Olympic Homestays" will be part of a tour group which visits Olympic venues; purchases Olympic souvenirs; and dines on local cuisine. At present, travel agents are bidding for 2008 Olympic tickets in hopes of including Olympic competitions as part of their packaged tour, said Zhao Xin, director of the Olympics Service Center of the China International Travel Service's Head Office.
Zhao Xin said that the charges for the tour bus, scenic spots, food and beverage may increase during the period of the Olympic Games, so that the price of the "Olympic Homestay" tours, which include accommodation, may be slightly higher than normal. "Olympic Homestay" tours planned by the travel agencies are 4-5 day trips. One homestay family could receive about four to five groups of foreign tourists during this period.
By People's Daily Online
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