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Greece increases Olympic budget
ATHENS, Greece (AP) -- Greece has increased its budget for preparations for the 2004 Olympics by 7.6 percent to $3.7 billion. The government also struck a deal with the Athens hotel owners union, which opposed a series of deals with Olympics organizers. "This was one of the most important Cabinet meetings for the preparation of the 2004 Games," said government spokesman Tilemahos Hitiris. Tuesday's meeting was chaired by Premier Costas Simitis to iron out the government budget. The increase in funds does not include money being set aside for organizers, which is $1.57 billion. According to Hitiris, the preparations budget includes funds for infrastructure works, such as new sports venues and the construction of access roads. It no longer includes funds for the construction of projects such as a light rail system and metro extension, which Hitiris said will be covered from other sources, including the European Union. Hitiris also said the government had ironed out problems with Athens hoteliers, who were protesting plans to issue licenses for new luxury hotels in the capital. Under the new deal, new licenses will be issued, but for smaller hotels. A total of 23,000 rooms are needed by organizers, with 19,000 in the top three hotel categories. They have signed contracts with Athens hoteliers for 11,350 rooms, which represent 80 percent of all those available in the capital. Athens has a total of 28,907 hotel rooms. Still unresolved is where tens of thousands of spectators will stay during the Olympics. According to organizers, plans include housing them in cruise ships and cities near Athens.
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