Middle East visitors provide summer boom for Swiss Riviera

The effects of September 11 are seen as a major factor influencing Arab travellers to head for the Swiss Riviera, and other European destinations, in larger than normal volumes over the last three months.

"It's been a bumper summer season as far as business from the Middle East is concerned," said Christian Marich, general manager of the Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne, recently named Switzerland's No.1 hotel for the third year running.

"Many people who would have travelled to the US changed their plans after September 11, and we've been the winners in the Lake Geneva region."

"All the five-star hotels have been full, and restaurants, jewellers, florists and many other retailers have been doing extremely well this summer, thanks largely to the number of arrivals from the Middle East, particularly the royal groups and official delegations."

Jordan's King Abdullah and Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak were among the visitors from the Middle East, while the summer guest list at the Beau-Rivage Palace included the King of Bahrain, Shaikh Hamad Bin Isa Bin Sulman Al Khalifa, and the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, Sheikh Saqr Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi.

Over the years, the Beau-Rivage Palace's royal visitors have included Queen Elisabeth of Belgium, Saudi Arabia's King Saud bin Abdulaziz and Prince Faisal, and King Paul and Queen Frederica of Greece.

Thailand's King Sirikit was another royal guest, as were the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, His Imperial Emperor Medid Azmach Woosen Hile Selassie, Britain's Princess Anne, Prince Albert of Monaco, and Emperor Hirohito of Japan.

The famous resort hotel is a perfect base for those eager to explore the Lake Geneva region, one of the most picturesque parts of Switzerland, and is also a superb conference and incentive venue at the crossroads of Europe, between France, Germany and Italy.

Known as the home of the Olympic movement, and a centre for leisure, entertainment, business, culture, and gourmet dining, Lausanne contains a treasure trove of historic buildings, monuments, and museums among its colourful streets and alleyways.

The Beau-Rivage Palace is a big hit as a family holiday destination, with a private ten-acre park, inter-connected larger than average rooms, a unique swimming pool, split between indoors and out, and baby-sitting services available on request.

Day trips by steam boat on Lake Geneva are another relaxing family attraction, and Euro Disney in Paris is only a three-hour train journey away through breathtaking countryside.

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