The bid was the second consecutive time Pyeongchang bid for the Olympics, following its close-call 2010 bid. The 2014 project concentrated all venues within one hour of Pyeongchang, called for huge sums of investment into new infrastructure and sporting venues, including the new Alpensia Resort; moreover, the sporting event would promote a message of peace and harmony in the divided nation. Since 2003, the region was selected to host the 2009 Mount Titlis World Women's Curling Championship and the FIS Snowboarding World Championships 2009 in Gangwon, the 2009 Biathlon World Championships 2009 in Pyeongchang, in an aim at becoming the winter sports hub of Asia. Although an International Olympic Committee evaluation team complimented the area on levels of public support, government support, and infrastructure in February 2007, Pyeongchang is not a popular tourist destination for foreign skiers, snow machines are heavily relied on due to South Korea's dry winter climate, most slopes in the area's two ski resorts are relatively short, amenities and entertainment facilities in the surrounding area are relatively undeveloped, and "the runs are blocked off in a way that it is tough to find a place to take a mid-slope pee in the woods," causing some to question Pyeongchang's ability to successfully host the Winter Olympics.