Zuerich Tourism Presents Summer Highlight 2005 - newswit

Bangkok--May 11--TQPR (Thailand) Zurich was accorded the top ranking as the city with the highest standard of living for the fourth year in succession on March 14, 2005. 215 cities were analysed based on 39 different criteria, including leisure and relaxation, safety, cleanliness, political and economical stability, and medical care. Zurich offers an astounding cultural and gastronomical diversity, as well as countless possibilities for enjoyment, relaxation and recuperation for all the senses. Visitors particularly appreciate the excellent public transportation system, the wealth and quality of the cultural events, and the attractive recreation facilities. From Bangkok getting to Zurich couldn’t be easier than on SWISS (Swiss International Air Lines), which operates daily non-stop flights (except Tuesday) between Bangkok and Zurich utilzing its brand new Airbus A340-300. This state-of-the-art aircraft features some of the airline industry’s most advanced innovations in comfort throughout the plane and in all classes. Zurich: exclusive offer ZurichBREAK – stay three nights, pay for two The longer the stay in Zuerich, the richer the wealth of unforgettable experiences. Zuerich Tourism has recently launched a new, exclusive offer called ZuerichBREAK; twelve hotels – situated in a variety of locations from city center to lakeside – invite guests to stay a third night free of charge, thus giving them more time to discover even more of Zuerich. Offers valid until December 31, 2005. Competition Every month, competition fans can take part in a draw to win a weekend in Zuerich (2 nights’ accommodation including breakfast) for two persons, offered by Zuerich Tourism. All participants need to do is correctly answer the questions published on the website at www.zuerich.com/gewinnen by the 15th day of the month throughout 2005 – and, with a bit of luck, their names may also soon be added to the list of winners. On the Scene Zuerich’s fortress of knowledge celebrates its 150th anniversary While other cities are characterized by their ruined fortresses and castles, Zuerich is home to “fortresses of knowledge”. The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) was founded in Zuerich in 1855, and over the decades has developed into a leading center of learning, research and work for some 18,000 people from 80 different nations. No fewer than 21 Nobel Prize winners are linked with the ETH, either as graduates or former professors. Within the framework of the 150th anniversary of the ETH Zuerich and the World Year of Physics 2005, the Faculty of Physics at the ETH is offering a special program targeted at the public at large. Further information www.150jahre.ethz.ch Highlights of Zuerich’s street culture A popular feature of Zuerich is its street culture, which with every summer increases in originality. While hot Latin rhythms triumph at the Caliente Festival in June and the Tango Week creates a lively tango ambience in July, in August, during the legendary Street Parade, the air is filled with the beats of House and Techno. From Christopher Street Day to the Longstreet Carnival, to the Theater Spektakel, Zuerich Downtown Switzerland offers some form of street culture to suit each and every taste. Street Parade The Street Parade is a demonstration advocating love, peace, freedom, liberality and tolerance. With its one million visitors, The Street Parade has now developed into the largest techno party in the world. And after nightfall, the celebrating continues at around 100 dance parties, ranging from festivals attended by tens of thousands, such as the legendary Energy show at the freshly renovated Hallenstadion indoor stadium, through to small and select underground events. The Street Parade is on 13 August 2005. Further information, www.streetparade.ch Zuercher Theater Spektakel (Zuerich Theater Festival) Since it first started in 1980, the Zuercher Theater Spektakel has grown to become one of the most important European festivals for contemporary forms of the performing arts. This year, it will be held between 18 August – 4 September, the program highlight is without doubt the Columbian theater group, Mapa Teatro, with its two productions and the video installation, “Testigo de las ruinas”. Zuerich’s stages are also presenting theater from Iran, together with a number of productions by talented young producers working on and with literary drama texts. In 2005, the program includes the show, “Station in the Air”, which takes place on a steel construction 17 meters / 18.6 yards above the ground. Further information www.theaterspektakel.ch Regional Outlook Region Baden Fantoche – 5th International Animation Film Festival Between 6 September 6 to 11, 2005, Switzerland’s most important animated film event is celebrating its 5th anniversary. Insiders, creative artists, media representatives, film buffs and members of the public are provided with a unique insight into the dazzling diversity of contemporary animated art. Particularly popular among the visitors are the “International Competition” and the “Best of the World” categories, which are devoted to the short film. Fantoche also offers numerous theme-based and historical programs, selected feature films, lectures, workshops, exhibitions and special series, all on the topic of animation as a form of border-crossing media par excellence. Further information www.fantoche.ch Region Lake Zuerich blues’n’jazz rapperswil blues'n'jazz rapperswil has already become something of an institution among music lovers. This year, too, from July 1 to 3, a number of big names from the world of blues and jazz are expected to perform on Lake Zuerich’s very own “Riviera”. A colorful array of food stalls will satisfy visitors’ hunger pangs, while the spectacular backdrop of the Old Town provides the event with a fitting setting. Further information www.bluesnjazz.ch rockfest.ch, Schmerikon From July 29-31, 2005 rockfest.ch, staged in the lakeside village of Schmerikon, offers great music performed by such national stars as the Lovebugs, Stress, Airbueg and QL, into the early hours of the morning. Further information www.rockfest.ch Festival Lachen meets Music World For the second time, Lachen is hosting the music festival, Lachen meets Music World from July 15 – 16, 2005. This year’s guest country is Italy. Further information www.lmmw.ch Region Winterthur Winterthur becomes Sommerthur (Summerthur) This summer, the town is being renamed “Summerthur”. Major events, such as the Albanifest, right through to such smaller-scale events as the convivial village get-togethers in the outlying districts – everything is represented here in abundance, and the wide selection means that there is something for everyone to enjoy. Highlights include the Albanifest, the 1st Winterthur Kids Sports Olympics, the Open-Air Cinema, the Kyburgiade, the Swiss Polo Open and the Winterthur Music Festival Weeks. Further information & events www.winterthur-tourismus.ch, www.sommerthur.org (end of May) For further information please contact: TQPR (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Tom Van Blarcom / Maetavarin Maneekulpan Tel: 0 2260 5820 Fax: 0 2260 5847-8 E-mail: [email protected] or Zuerich Tourism Manuela Barrera Tel. +41 (0)44 215 40 92 Email: [email protected] Website: www.zuerich.com End.