2012年6月4日星期一

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.

Do you have any doubts about the safety of social networking?

Warranty on social networks? Not really says 80% of Internet users surveyed by Avira. The fear is based on the use of private information without explicit consent, but also imperfect protection that encourages hackers to steal data for use course tort.

Chief among the defendants, they cite + Google and Facebook. And you suspect you also social networks well enough not to protect your information? Give us your feedback by filling out this survey.

From crime, there are still too fatalistic

"Too many people do not take all reasonable steps to protect themselves against crime. There are still too fatalistic. "Pierre-Olivier Gaudard directs the Crime Prevention Division at the cantonal police, on which the monitoring networks established in partnership with the people.The goal is that every citizen should learn to detect risky situations and adopt some basic reflexes giving it better security. The concept is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Vaud Canton is still the only one to have established this collaboration system imported from England for burglary prevention. But interest continues to grow elsewhere, particularly in Geneva and Swiss German.Collaborative successPercent Vaud communes have now joined the organization. They indicate to the visitor by panels very explicit. Associated with the word "population", the term "police", understandable in all languages, clearly announces the color.

It took nearly twenty years proves that the only blunder of the formula, purely semantic. The original name of "buddy" in fact contained some ambiguity - it could suggest that spies on his neighbor. It has just been abandoned, to retain only "Police-population" (Popul).

"We want to leave the strict confines of burglaries, the police said. It is inviting people to reflect on a more holistic view of crime. "For example, members of networks set up in collaboration with local authorities are regularly informed of the arrival of a new internet scam .Even in Lausanne?"Police-population" is a concept of proximity that seems destined to local small and medium importance. It resembles, however, more densely populated areas and cities. The issue has even been put on the carpet to the Municipal Council of Lausanne.

Nothing prohibits the establishment of such networks, provided they are granted in the means.What benefit in twenty years of existence? "The practical effects are of course difficult to measure. How do you know if a home has not been broken because he was being watched, or if it is because it happened between the drops ... "Pierre-Olivier Gaudard emphasizes that it is the very long-term results can occur. He believes that Popul brings a sense of community feel stronger. "If people learn to better protect themselves, while their region becomes less attractive to burglars, and they will soon realize it." All indications, however, that we are still far away.

"I am always amazed at how few doors of buildings are protected. Will see in Paris ... "In terms of basic reflexes, the concern I hear most often is the interpretation of self-defense. "This is a false debate, said the policeman. First, because self defense is a highly codified concept. Secondly, because many people have great difficulty if they were to fight with the burglars. "To those who do not want to remain completely passive when they hear something suspicious in their home, police said that he is often sufficient to activate lights or make noise to drive away the thief.