When an Olympics occurs its hosting city becomes the new “it” scene of the world. Like a celebrity, the chosen setting for the new international event becomes a melting pot of media, competitive interest and passion but with added economic flow on effects for the local community.

A post-Olympic game effect lasting between 5-10 years

In 2008 the world welcomed China as a major international comrade through the Beijing Summer Olympics and spurred online hysteria as expressed by Google analytics. Online video streaming drew over 100 million unique visitors and over 10 million tourists arrived and stayed during the event. But what this gathering of the world best athletes provides isn’t simply the most competitive spectacle of human ability, it focuses a wave of interest on the city and host country with a post-Olympic game effect lasting between 5-10 years. For China this means an average growth rate of 8 to 9 percent annually in development and tourism.

BC will grow by approximately 3.3 percent with foreign investment to rise 7 percent during 2010

Now, when it came to Beijing, the West was keen to see the growth, acceptance and openness the socialist country had developed and China of course responded with one of the most spectacular Olympics ever seen. There has been lowered activity than expect from the slight hiccup of an economic downturn but according to China Daily’s article ‘Tourism in Beijing Boosts after the Olympics’ domestic travellers produced revenue of 127.1 billion yuan ($18.6 billion) up 14.6 percent, according to the municipal tourism authority.

So what will happen to Vancouver after the 2010 Winter Olympics? It is already recognised as one of the world’s most liveable cities (a statement I personally agree with) and boasts the title of Hollywood North. According to chief economist Paul Darby of the Conference Board of Canada, BC will grow by approximately 3.3 percent with foreign investment to rise 7 percent during 2010 but the halo effect will only last a few years not a decade. However, regardless of the levels or percentages, Vancouver is one of those places which feels incredibly grounded and at ease with its self.

Vancouver is a city that embraces life and welcomes the world to join them and grow together

Located in a calm harbour which reaches the Pacific, surrounded by mountains Vancouver boasts beautiful scenery. It is also home to some amazing dining, a list of recreational activities to suit extreme enthusiasts through to gamers, an active community and high multicultural diversity. It is also in the process of becoming the world’s greenest city by 2020 through a 10-year plan put forward by the city’s mayor Gregor Robertson this month. Vancouver is a city that embraces life and welcomes the world to join them and grow together.