Positive figures for the fun, artistic and educative 2012 Geneva Festival.

Exposed in all its forms during the 2012 Geneva Festival, Water leaves the heart of the Jardin Anglais. With the theme, inspired by Switzerland Tourism, Geneva Tourism & Conventions (GT&C) achieved its goal: amuse, interest, surprise, inform and educate tourists and residents by animating the Rade during almost a month.

The Water Village, the recreational activities such as Gigaquarium, a water tank of introduction to scuba diving, and all games settled around the fountain, were a huge success, attracting all kind of people. Performed by three Italian artists, the giant bottle “Acqua è di tutti” was visited by over 20,000 people. The exhibitions of photographs by Arnaud Baumann, WMO and UN Water, and the presence of Helvetas with giant straws placed on sewer, helped educate the public on all the issues of Water.

As part of efforts in favour of Helvetas to create funding for drinking water in schools in northern Benin, it is still possible to join this cause and donate by sending WATER + the amount in CHF to 488

The 170 stalls and 70 stallholders have illuminated and animated the Rade of Geneva like the 200 free concerts for the delight of the visitors of the Scène des Clubs, FunkyTown and the new Scène by Point Bar. The Fête de la Rade, the 8th slowUp and its 15,000 participants, the 16th Race of Waitresses and Waiters, the Beach Rugby, the Miss Geneva Festival election, the Breitling Jet Team and the DC3, the Grand fireworks on August 11th with over 500,000 spectators have enflamed the 2012 Geneva Festival which ends this evening on a great success.

Nearly 2,000,000 visitors attended the 2012 Geneva Festival

The Geneva Festival took place without notable incident, thanks to the presence of mediators and the deployment of a large security apparatus engaging cantonal and municipal forces and private companies. In order to reduce waste and facilitate sorting, the Geneva Festival has this year introduced the principle of recyclable glasses with the support of the Geneva Foundation L’Orangerie. Although complex, this operation was a success for a decrease in tonnage of waste and a visible improvement in the cleanliness of public space. The Organizing Committee regrets, however, the increase in waste brought by visitors and abandoned around without respect for the environment.

GT&C and the Organizing Committee of the Geneva Festival thank all the sponsors, partners, media and volunteers for their commitment and enthusiasm. The 2013 Geneva Festival will be held from July 18th to August 11th, Geneva will be delighted to host a guest country.

For more information, please contact:
Bernard Cazaban, GT&C Public Relations, cazaban@geneva-tourism.ch – tel. 022 909 70 81