Olympic lodging plan off because of rough economy

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) - An Olympic housing plan in which thousands of visitors would have stayed on cruise ships has been called off because of the rough economy. As many as seven ships would have been used for fans and sponsors as part of the multimillion-dollar plan by the DEAP Group. But there was not enough financing to go forward.

Group president Greg Peart adds that the demand for lodging also doesn't appear to be reaching the level tourism officials envisioned with less than three months until the games.

Almost all of Vancouver's hotel rooms are booked by sponsors and Olympic officials. There are still some rooms available downtown and hundreds in the area. Also offering accommodations are RV parks, one cruise ship and private homes.