Insecurity in Geneva: "We expect to lose tourists'"

The image of Geneva security is deteriorating rapidly. So much so that Chinese tour operators have announced they will abandon the city register in their program. One example among many that worried Philippe Vignon, Director of Geneva Tourism.Philippe Vignon, you receive many complaints from tourists?

Tourists are particularly targeted by petty criminals in Geneva, compared to other cities in the world. Past two years we have concrete feedback from customers who complain directly to tour operators in the Middle East, China, India and even Brazil. However, it is the most promising markets and on which we invest.

The consequences do they feel?The Embassy of Japan in Geneva Switzerland has come last among the riskiest cities in the world. The Chinese embassy in Bern has sent its entire network, 23 April, that Switzerland is not as safe, Geneva is the only city mentioned! A dozen Chinese tour operators to give up now integrate their tour in Geneva in Switzerland. Social networks can also be very painful.

In October 2011, the CEO of Google China, which has 13.5 million "followers" on his Twitter account, has announced that he had been stealing his business here. An English blogger wrote these last days: "Geneva is not a safe place."

These examples only confirm what is perceived for a long time. This is a very clear signal!That is to say?We see that among the actors of the tourism industry abroad there is a sharp deterioration in the perception of security conditions in Geneva. Consequently, Geneva can no longer rely on its image as a haven of tranquility that attracted so many tourists.This is worrisome.

Does Geneva sees tourists flee?Taking the example of the Chinese, who are expected to reach 50,000 visitors in 2012, we expect to lose between 10,000 and 15,000 this year.Prevention could it be enhanced, rather than let visitors leave with a bad memory?The challenge is to strike a balance.

When we sell the assets of Geneva tour operators, it is not possible to speak of insecurity. And other destinations benefit from this course to recover market ... Once in Geneva, our Home Department & Info offers advice to visitors, as security. We distribute flyers about the monte.

We also twenty "tourist angels" that run during the summer to meet tourists and especially warn. There is also a lot of work done by the hotels. But too much prevention would fuel the perception of insecurity in Geneva, it is considered out of control already.Would you support a fixed police presence in tourist areas?

In Paris, we see buses of riot police and it works. A constant and visible police presence at the Cornavin station would have the advantage of reassuring. When the Geneva citizens create a militia against the monte, it is true that there is a ras-le-bol. This is a sign of loss of control.