The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games have helped to see a boom in Chinas tourism industry with the international sporting event leaving an abundant legacy to build upon. The country is also seeking cooperation opportunities with other countries.

The host and co-host cities of the Beijing Olympics have seen a remarkable increase in the number of tourists during the National Day holiday. Beijing received over 380,000 people on the first day of the vacation, with 18,000 of them visiting the Olympic green area. Here is one of them.

"I have come specially to visit the Birds Nest and the Water Cube, as well as some other Olympic venues."

The Beijing Games not only showcased Chinas unique culture and contributed to improving the citys infrastructure; it also raised the overall quality of service related industries such as travel, accommodation, tourism and catering.

Wang Peixian is general manager of the China Commercial International Travel Service.

"We have been waiting so long for an opportunity like this to develop tourism. The Olympic legacies are having a clear-cut impact in promoting our tourist industry. Until now, we have received and organized tens of thousands of people and groups."

As a global tourist destination, it is believed that China will benefit long term from the recent Olympic Games.