Pros
1. Tourist ready- Newly built infrastructure would raise Poprad-Tatry region to level of western Europe for tourism.
2. Business opportunities- Large amounts of technology needed means large contracts for firms to build infrastructure.
3. First in post-communist country- The winter Olympics have never been held in this part of Europe, which would be symbolic of this region joining the European Union in 2005.
4. Experience and professionalism- There is no doubt that the Olympic Committee's plan for holding the Olympics is well thought out and realistic, at least on paper.
5. Slovak pride- The High Tatras are virtually unknown in the world compared to the Alps or Rocky Mountains, and are majestic enough to hold the Winter Olympics and show off Slovakia's famous hospitality.
Cons
1. Feasibility- There are many questions about funding, with 85 percent of buildings and infrastructure remaining to be built.
2. Jealousy- Other parts of Slovakia are worried that the Poprad region will be 20 years ahead of the rest of the country and be unaffordable to Slovaks after the games.
3. Poprad- The city is not a picturesque city compared to Salzburg or Sion, and would need a major facelift to be able to provide the right Olympic atmosphere.
4. Political instability- Slovakia's image abroad has been damaged by political squabbles.
5. Damage to the environment- Greens have protested against the bid, saying that nature surrounding the mountains will be irrevocably damaged if the games are held.
