EURO 2008 INFO

For Euro 2008 is successful, "GENEVA. Tourism" teaches kindness to professions in contact with tourists. Le Temps has slipped in a training course to the attention of taxis.

-- "In some cultures, a smile can be misinterpreted."

-- "Well, and where, for example?"

-- "I do not know, I travel shortly."

-- "So I can assure you that a small smile does vexera person ..."

This dialogue between Jacky, a taxi driver in Geneva corrosive humor, and Veronique Hermanjat Schulz, a graduate in tourism expert nerves of steel, shows that in Geneva, the smile does not happen by itself. The scene takes place Friday, March 28, at the facilities of "Geneva Tourism." At 14h, as in a classroom, a dozen taxi drivers are sitting around a table to attend two hours of training to the reception and the kindness, for the Euro 2008 in Geneva.

Deeply encouraged to form

It is that the home is one of the main concerns of the Council of State. And even a concern. In our columns, on March 19, the Liberal minister Mark Muller, in charge of Euro 2008, said: "In Geneva, the organization of Euro 2008 is an opportunity to make progress on home." Magistrate is convinced: If Geneva, host city in Switzerland with Basel, Bern and Zurich, is able to give a warm image of its population, visitors will return. "

This Friday, the message is therefore crucial declined to taxi drivers on various modes. But never on a moralistic tone, because the trainers do not want to stigmatize their students. The drivers are there of their own volition. Although their business, "Central Taxiphone", which employs nearly two-thirds of 950 taxi drivers Geneva, are urged: "the formation of Geneva Tourism" is the open sesame to get a new device for credit cards, "Taxiphone their offer" as a thank you.

The director, Edmond Tinguely, wants its employees feel involved in the success of Euro 2008: "It is important, even after Soon Salon Telecom will return to Geneva."

"It was a bad image"

Initially, the drivers are crispés. Some will take time to décroiser arms. Member of the Technical Service "and" Taxiphone speaker, Yves Racine plays fair play: "It was a bad image. I think you all agree on that one is really evil seen in the heart of the people. It is important that we demonstrate to our authorities that we devote time to home. "As do other professionals who will be in direct contact with tourists from 7 to 29 June, during Euro 2008.

Project manager "Enjoy Switzerland Tourism" in Geneva, Jonathan Robin reassures: "You are not alone in being trained. There are also customs officials, restaurateurs, hoteliers, policemen, shopkeepers ... "

The card Geneva

The trainers want to convince the taxi they were "calling card" of Geneva. Whether they have the chance to participate in the third event in the world after the football World Cup and the Olympics. "It's a unique opportunity, any city would be excited. Although there will be gridlock, we must rejoice, "insists Jonathan Robin. "A single negative event is enough to leave a bad memory for our visitors," says Veronique Hermanjat Schulz.

There is not that kind. The training also gives practical information on the holding of the Euro 2008: schedules, places of festivals, opening hours of shops ... The drivers have also tourist information sheets to meet the possible questions of their clients. Objective: To provide a personalized service.

Between pikes and motivation

Faced with so many good feelings, some students remain silent. Other multiply spades, as Jacky, "We do not live in an ideal world, then the tourists, if they are open-minded, should not ask us to be perfect." A colleague complained: " Some enter the taxi hanged in their Natel. And you you wait, you wait ... "

Others are full of enthusiasm, as a driver who, when trainers wonder what the host, replied: "Our role is to ease the client, to assure that all is well." An another adds: "We should not see a mine tired, angry or sad. But smile and open the door. "

The example of Quebec

The student applied the most, it's Katy Frechette, the only one to take notes. She is a social worker. His only link with taxis, her husband, an employee at "Taxiphone" but also the head of her own company, "Taxi" Hofstetter. Originally from Quebec, Katy is not in the habit of bad manners: "In my case, people are naturally warm. But here, the people or the taxi doors are open! So I try to help my husband to be at the forefront during Euro 2008. I have even bought things to decorate his car, "she smiles.

To date, about 200 drivers' Taxiphone have completed the training. Those who are not yet motivated might change opinion when they learn that tickets for Euro 2008 will be offered to the best students. To locate them, "persons mysteries test will come taxis," warns Jonathan Robin. A bon entendeur ...