Viktor Kolodyazhny, the Mayor of Sochi, joined Russia Today to talk about his next steps as the head of the host city of the Winter Olympics 2014.
Russia Today: How do things stand after the Sochi’s victory in the bid? Viktor Kolodyazhny: I am glad that our city has won. RT: You’ve got the victory under your belt now. What is the next step for you? VK: The next step is hard work. Starting from Tuesday, as German Gref, the Russian Minister of Economic Development and Trade, said, every week we will be holding meetings and of course we’ll be constructing the Olympic facilities. RT: As you say, there is a lot of work and a lot redevelopment to be done. What sort of firms will you be using to do that work? Will it be Russian-based companies or you’ll be looking for firms from abroad? VK: We’ll have a tender and both Russian and foreign companies will be able to participate and compete for the honour to build these venues. RT: Winning the bid is a great triumph for Russia. But there are also some citizens in Sochi who have concerns. They think that the boost in tourism will lead to increase of prices, especially in real estate. What can you say to these people? VK: We are learning, by visiting the best resorts of the world and I think that in time, in about five years Sochi will become the best resort in the world.