Gulf Tourists to the Swiss city of Geneva have been targeted amid a growing surge in crime. Geneva has an international reputation for tranquility. A 38 year old man was assaulted on 16 July outside Geneva nightclub, and criticisms over lack of security have provoked controversy and underscored surging street crime.
Geneva is known as a playground for wealthy Middle East tourists and the city is sensitive to anything that might harm its image. Geneva’s tourist office said Gulf tourists generate about one tenth of its overall tourist revenue – about 250 million Swiss francs, (233 million dollars, or 164 million Euros). Canton chief prosecutor said Geneva has a reputation as a calm place but there has been a 50% increase in crimes such as assault and theft over the past seven years. This increase in crime has been most significant in the Paquis and Eaux-Vives neighborhoods, which flank Lake Geneva, the City’s main attraction.
