GREECE URGED TO DISPEL GAMES WORRIES
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[ May 7th 2004 ]

Fears about this week's bombings could further dampen Greece's already depressed hopes of attracting masses of tourists to the Summer Games according to the tourism industry, Games Bids (www.gamesbids.com) reports today. Anna Anyfanti, an official with HATTA - the union of travel agents - told journalists: "the attack was widely exaggerated in the international press - now it's absolutely necessary that the government instigates a dynamic public-relations policy to promote Greek tourism. Greece must send out positive messages to the international community." HATTA says, "there are around 75,000 tourists in Athens on a usual summer season day. We had hoped to double that during the Olympics. But now we estimate that some 80,000 will be around, at best."

Hollywood superstar Angelina Jolie recently confirmed ignition of the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony of the 2004 Olympic Games staged in Athens, Greece on August 13 2004. The 29-year-old actress, star of recent videogame adaptation Lara Croft Tomb Raider and goodwill ambassador for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), will run the final leg bearing the Olympic torch to conclude an international relay across five continents to commemorate the official opening of the 2004 Olympic Games.