This Swiss City is Handing out Gift Cards for Tourists

Since the lockdown lifted, countries across the world have been trying to figure out how to increase tourist traffic. A city in Switzerland has thought of handing out free stuff as an incentive.

Geneva is giving gift cards that can be redeemed at restaurants, bars, and other venues around the city. The officials believe that the incentive will help bring its tourism industry back on track after it was left upended by the coronavirus pandemic.

One Geneva Gift Card is worth 100 Swiss francs, about $110, and it can be redeemed for services at several businesses. The list of places where it can be used includes 58 hotels, 66 bars and restaurants, and even some sight-seeing  attractions. All you have to do is check-in at a participating hotel for two nights (minimum) in order to earn a card. However, the card is not on a per person, but on a per room basis, and the validity period is until December 2020.

Read: Europe's Night Trains get Back on Track

The gift card isn’t the only hook to attract tourists. Travellers landing at the Geneva International Airport will also get a ticket that is good for 80 minutes upon arrival, in order to get to their accommodation without any extra cost. Visitors staying at a participating hotel will also get a Geneva Transport Card that allows them to use public transit in the city for free.

However, the country, which went into a complete lockdown in February, still has strict restrictions on who can or can’t travel to the country at the moment, and travellers must plan their trips according to the country’s guidelines. Check out the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health website before planning a trip to Switzerland.