Two weeks to go until the start of the Euro 2008 football tournament. The streets of Vienna buzz with tourists drawn there by the architecture, museums and music. But the Austrian capital, like the seven other host cities across Austria and Switzerland, is awaiting the arrival of the football fans. The Austrian Chancellor is looking forward to the action both on and off the pitch: SOUNDBITE: Austrian Chancellor, Alfred Gusenbauer, saying (German): "During these three weeks it will not only be a country of sports but also one of parties. We feel well prepared with the public viewing areas, as well as the 'fan miles'." The influx of football tourists means Vienna's expecting between two and three million extra visitors this year. And many are already snapping up Euro 2008 memorabilia: SOUNDBITE: Susane Schoppelt, Souvenir shop employee, saying (English): "A lot of tourists are coming and asking for t-shirts, especially for Euro-2008, scarves and caps." But not everyone working in the Viennese tourist industry is looking forward to the tournament. Martina Michelfeit owns a horse and carriage - a familiar sight in the centre of Vienna. But she certainly doesn't expect the football to boost her business: SOUNDBITE: Martina Michelfeit, Horse and carriage owner, saying (English): "We are not very happy about football-playing people here in Vienna for about three weeks, and we as fiacres don't think that we will earn a lot of money. Especially on the days when there are matches here in Vienna police asked us to stay at home." The host countries say they're satisfied with their security preparations. They've also been taking policing tips from Germany, host of the 2006 World Cup. But even if there isn't any hooliganism during the tournament, people who earn a living from Vienna's tourist industry will be hoping that the football fans don't scare off other tourists. Joanna Partridge, Reuters COMPANIES MENTIONED: SYMBOLS:
Rating: (0 ratings) |
Views: 6 |
Added: May 23, 2008 |
| Category: Sports |
|
|
|