An interview with Spyros Capralos

An interview with Spyros Capralos

Since 10 February 2009, Spyros Capralos has been President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee. The veteran Balkan swimming champion and international water polo player for Olympiacos and the Greek national team has also been the Chairman of the Athens Exchange S.A. since 2004. He was one of the leading figures behind the success of the Athens Olympic Games, serving as a member of the Bidding Committee, as Executive Director of the Olympic Organising Committee and as Deputy Chief Operating Officer. In March 2004, the Prime Minister appointed him General Secretary for the Olympic Games in the Ministry of Culture and he was designated City Manager for the duration of the Games.

Six years after the Olympic Games that established Greece high in the estimation of the global community, what do you believe is the legacy that has been left to the Greek people?

I believe that the Olympic Games were a catalyst for change in the city of Athens. Significant improvements to infrastructure were undertaken and projects that might have taken decades to complete were finished very quickly. We continue to enjoy the results of some of these projects on a daily basis, such as the road network, mass transportation, student housing, hotels, hospitals, the renovation of some parts of the city and of the port of Piraeus. But there are also some improvements that, though they are not visible, still contribute significantly to the betterment of the quality of our lives, of telecommunications, of energy, of safety and of technology. On the other hand, we created vast, permanent sports facilities, which cost a great deal to maintain, though they were not essential for the athletic needs of Greece. In addition, we did not take advantage of the experience and the extensive exposure that resulted from the Games. Greece came out of the Olympic Games with a very good name worldwide because few inside and outside the country believed we could faultlessly stage Games and that boosted the product called Greece a great deal. There was a lot of momentum after the Games, but I think we could have made better use of it. Unfortunately, the necessary attention was not paid to post-Olympic utilisation, both of the sports facilities and in general the legacy left us by the Games.

Do events like the Olympic Games benefit the event location and, if so, in what ways?

The Olympic Games are the most important athletic event in the world. At the same time, it is an important opportunity for development in the city and the country hosting them. Although the necessary investment is often quite large, the long-term benefits for a city could be very significant on the condition that the Games are not seen as an end, but as the beginning of development in the city. Whether the Olympic Games result in a positive legacy for the host country depends mainly on the goals that have been defined in advance and on the corresponding planning. And such planning has to be undertaken not just during the 16 days of competition, but it should be associated with the development needs of the country for a long period following the Games. The Olympics legacy is dynamic and variable over time and it is influenced by a variety of factors. It has a clear influence on architecture, on urban planning, on the marketing of the city, on the economic and tourism development and naturally on the public's attitude. In addition, it is important to mention the intangible legacy, such as the generation of ideas and cultural values, the cross cultural experience, the education, the archives, the collective effort and volunteerism.

As a member of the Olympic Family, what is the outlook for the Olympic Games institution and how do you think this very significant institution will evolve in the coming years?

In the past and until 1984, there were grave concerns about the viability of the Olympic Games, mainly because of the financial obligations they created. The introduction of television and sponsors, however, changed the economic parameters and that is why we see so many large countries and cities fighting in every way possible to win the bid for the Olympic Games. Of course there are still problems, mainly related to the burgeoning numbers of facilities, competitive events, athletes, visitors to the Games, in addition to increased substance abuse, commercialisation and the questionable service and promotion of the Olympic ideals. In recent years, the IOC, recognising this growth, has made decisions to limit to the absolute minimum the services provided to accredited visitors and to reduce the exaggerated demands for services to IOC members, to journalists, to sponsors and television rights holders, as well as to the International Athletic Federations. In addition, with regard to marketing, very strict regulations have been imposed so as to avoid excessive commercialisation of the Olympic Games in order to preserve the unique character of the Olympic Games, to preserve the Olympic image and the Olympic ideals. Nevertheless, the Olympic Games remain the top athletic event, the dream of every athlete and the focus of attention of spectators for 17 days. I believe that this institution, which is essentially the bridge, the point of contact and the link between different worlds, different cultures, different attitudes and different ages, will remain so with the passing of time.

You have visited many cities throughout the world. What advantages does Athens have, particularly in the area of major events and conferences?

I believe that Athens has a series of advantages, such as modern transportation infrastructure, an upgraded urban environment, quick access to the sea and a particularly worthwhile historical centre that resulted from the unification of archaeological sites. In addition, as most areas in Greece, it has the ideal climate, an exceptional cuisine, top-level hospitality, a vibrant nightlife and a unique cultural and historical heritage. And of course, we should not forget easy access and the numerous alternatives available in terms of hospitality. If we utilise and promote all this in the right way, we can turn our city into one of the most important conference destinations.

What do you think Athens is missing in this area?

I think that Athens should develop a specific communication identity that will showcase all of its competitive advantages and that all those who are involved in promoting it as a conference destination should acquire the necessary expertise through participation in international tourism organisations.

Have you visited the Athens Convention Bureau and the breathtaking Athens websites? What are your impressions?

I visited them recently while looking for some information and I have to admit I was impressed, as I think this is the first time that such a systematic and targeted effort is being made to promote Athens in international tourism markets, using state-of-the-art marketing methods and new means of communication. These days, when the greatest proportion of consumers who travel turn to the Internet, I believe it is essential that a large tourism destination like Athens have a serious and respectable formal presence on the Internet. I believe that both sites are useful and qualitative, giving a sense of high aesthetics and providing a wide range of current and reliable information about Athens.

Would you share one or two of your secrets about Athens with our readers, like a favourite spot, a walk, an activity?

My favourite place for a walk is the Panathenaic Stadium. Perhaps you already know that, in my capacity as President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, I established a goal at the beginning of my term to reopen the Panathenaic Stadium, where the modern Olympic Games were revived, to the public. We want the stadium not only to become accessible, but to become a "favourite spot" for tourists and Athenians alike, as it is a unique monument in the centre of Athens and can be easily combined with other sights in the city's historical centre. I should also tell you that we are planning to install an automated guide system in the immediate future so that visitors can learn about the history of the stadium.