As of now, travellers from Switzerland can access information on the security situation at their destination via their smartphone or tablet: The FDFA has added a new event module to its itinerisApp. During the FIFA World Cup 2014, Swiss visitors staying in Brazil will be provided for the first time with information that is targeted to their destination and to the time of their stay. For example where and when the consular representative at the host venue can be contacted, which security measures are recommended, which means of transport or roads are to be avoided for the journey to the stadium, which areas of town should be avoided or how transport facilities may be affected by a strike. The app can be downloaded for iPhone and Android.
The FDFA launched its itinerisApp one year ago. Travellers from Switzerland and their families can register the details of their trip abroad (short trips) on the website. To date some 54,000 have availed themselves of this possibility. With this information, the FDFA is better equipped to localise and contact users in the event of a serious crisis abroad. Users receive notification should a region's security situation unexpectedly deteriorate. Ideally, the app will become a permanent feature of trips abroad, as self-evident as passports and ID cards are today.
The FDFA has compiled an information flyer for travellers from Switzerland containing useful hints and links for planning the trip (travel notifications) as well as hints/procedures and addresses for emergencies abroad (e.g. lost passport, credit cards, plane tickets or tickets to matches, possibility of transferring money from Switzerland, etc.). The flyer also lists contact details for the FDFA Helpline and the 24 hour telephone number of the Swiss Embassy and Consulates in Brasilia, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador do Bahia and Manaus.
Swiss fan zone in Rio
The official opening of the House of Switzerland in Rio will take place on 10 June 2014. Situated next to “la Lagoa” in the heart of the southern part of the city, the House of Switzerland will be located in the Palaphita Kitch, a place known for cariocas. The zone will be transformed into show-window for Switzerland with the fan zone showing all the World Cup matches on a giant screen. Matches involving the Swiss team will leave the local people in no doubt that football is big here too.
Partners in tourism, innovation, culture and the private sector will join forces to show the various sides of Switzerland to both local and international visitors. An exhibition will present, in the form of a history of Switzerland, many other aspects of our country - from the traditional to the modern. Gastronomy will also play a major role with a menu “à la Suisse”, offering “raclette”, a wide range of sausages, and “rösti” prepared by a Swiss chef.
In Rio the House of Switzerland will follow the World Cup and the national team for the first time. The awarding of the world’s two most important sporting events to Brazil in the space of two years – the football World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games – provides a formidable communications opportunity for Switzerland. Ambassador Nicolas Bideau, head of Presence Switzerland, makes the point that “Switzerland can benefit from the Shaqiri effect to position itself in Brazil: we are dynamic, creative, open, and we want Switzerland’s colours to blaze in Brazil and around the world”. This communications campaign will be launched on 10 June 2014 in Rio and will terminate with the Olympic Games in the same city in 2016, all involving the House of Switzerland.
Projects at the venues where the Swiss national team will be playing
Away from Rio, the Swiss representations in Brazil will be screening some of the Swiss matches on a giant screen. During the World Cup, the Swiss Embassy, in cooperation with the Swiss Football Association, will also be supporting social projects aimed at helping young people living in difficult situations. The chosen projects will take place in the three cities where the Swiss national team will be playing during the first round and where the FDFA will join forces with local NGOs to set up development activities: a documentary film in Brasilia, training in Salvador and a health programme in Manaus.
Further information:
Information on the House of Switzerland
Photos of the House of Switzerland
itinerisApp for iPhone (App Store Switzerland) (de)
itinerisApp for Android (Google Play Switzerland) (de)
Flyer: FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil (de)
Address for enquiries:
To the itinerisApp:
Bruno Ryff
Tel. +41 79 575 30 13
Bruno.ryff@eda.admin.ch
To the “House of Switzerland“:
Nicolas Bideau
Tel +41 (0)79 667 69 15
nicolas.bideau@eda.admin.ch
