After much effort and preparation, China has won the bid for the 2008 Olympic games. As with any event, the Olympics bring both benefits and problems. With proper preparation, China can maximize advantages and overcome obstacles. Right management is the key to success.
Beijing should have a clear plan of everything it will do well in advance of the games. The strongly centralized Chinese government may be helpful in this sense (the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta suffered from indecisiveness due to local government infighting). Such plans should have provisions for transportation, lodging, tourism, dining, and emergencies. Olympic games bring large crowds, and delayed action or inadequate supply mean serious consequences.
Beijing should address the problem of air quality. Severe pollution is both an annoyance and a health hazard. Large factories should be closed or moved, while motor vehicle use should be minimized.
Finally, Beijing should take advantage of its great historical significance and many places of interest. Beijing is one of the world's best tourist destinations, and Olympic visitors need not be disappointed.
Satisfied visitors will bring a lot of money to Beijing, which will be of tremendous economic benefit. Additionally, a successful Olympics will promote international goodwill towards an understanding of China. This in turn will encourage future investment and trade between the outside world and China.