Five prospective host cities have outlined their visions for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games after submitting application files to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Istanbul, Turkey; Tokyo, Japan; Baku, Azerbaijan; Doha, Qatar; and Madrid, Spain, are each vying to host the 32nd Olympiad, following Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - the 2016 host city.

In its bid, Istanbul officials said it had been inspired by the city's Bosphorus Bridge, which unites two continents, and aims to create a "legacy of harmony across the region".

Baku's bid team believes hosting the Games will have the same effect on the city as the 1992 event had on Barcelona, Spain, while also focusing on developing new sustainable venues.

Highlights of Tokyo's bid include a new Olympic Stadium - to be one of the world's most advanced venues - and the modernisation of legacy facilities from the 1964 Games.

Doha has proposed to stage the Games during October if successful, with its bid looking to establish one of the most accessible and legacy-targeted event in the modern era.

Meanwhile, Madrid officials said its bid will create a number of opportunities for a "whole generation who needs motivation, work and future expectations" if it is successful.

The IOC will decide which bidder will host the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games on 7 September 2013 at in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

To read more about the emergence of Baku as a target for luxury hotel and spa developers, see Spa Business 1 2012 p.82

Details: www.olimpiyatkomitesi.org.tr (Istanbul)
Details: www.baku2020.com (Baku)
Details: www.tokyo2020.jp (Tokyo)
Details: www.doha2020.qa (Doha)
Details: www.madrid2020.es (Madrid)