The namely "Olympic Homestay program", which was launched early this month by the BTA, was referred to the 598 evaluated and selected families who will provide 726 guest rooms and receive more than 1,000 tourists from home and abroad.

"In this way, we hope to let the spectators feel more like at home here and also better know the Chinese culture," said Xiong.

With this program under the way, many foreign visitors have shown their interests. According to BTA, a Japanese travel agency has purchased 200 tickets for the Games and is negotiating about the "Homestay" issues for their clients.

As the Olympic Games are approaching, the tourist sector feels optimistic about the room occupation rate in August.

"We fully believe that the occupied rates will be higher than the reservations next month," said Xiong. "And we are ready to provide the homelike services to foreign friends during the Games."