Swiss get ready to entertain at the Olympics

By Li Xinran  |   2008-7-2  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

SWITZERLAND has begun construction of its national house for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

The House of Switzerland in Beijing's Dashanzi 798 Art Zone will open to public from August 1 to 24, even though its major function is serving as a hub and a meeting place for the Swiss Olympic team during the Games.

"We are pleased to announce the start of construction and decoration of the House of Switzerland 2008. In just one month, guests can enjoy genuine Swiss hospitality," said Dante Martinelli, the Ambassador of Switzerland to China.

Switzerland set up a national house in Japan's Nagano for the 1998 Winter Olympic Games and it is now a permanent fixture there.

The house in Beijing will be Switzerland's biggest national house overseas for the Olympics with a total area of 4,000 square meters. People visiting the House of Switzerland will be served with Swiss delicacies in its restaurant or lounge.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy the scenery of Switzerland and listen to Swiss folk music in the building which will feature a VIP zone, an exhibition area, and a fully equipped function room for presentations and conferences.

Various cultural and commercial events will be held during the 24-day exhibition. Musicians from Switzerland will entertain guests. Visitors will have the chance to meet famous Swiss athletes, get autographs and attend medal ceremonies.

Twelve Swiss sponsors, including Lucerne Tourism, UBS, Nestle, Swiss International Airlines and Victorinox, will exhibit their wares.

Visitors can learn about Swiss chocolate and watches, and there will be trips to Switzerland to be won.