ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE 1992 WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES

Prediction of the potential environmental impact of tourism development often proves difficult. There have been very few attempts to look back after tourism development to judge the effectiveness of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) and the steps taken to reduce adverse impacts. The planning of the 1992 Winter Olympics took account of potential direct adverse impacts on the environment, but was not without its critics. Secondary and longer-term impacts include some effects which were not foreseen, whereas others were already occurring. The benefits and costs to the environment result from trade-offs between interest groups at a variety of levels within the local economy and its administration. The pre-Olympic environmental gloominess is not borne out by the subsequent effects, except in specific locations.