Tourists crowd around a mountain train in the Swiss resort of Mt. Rigi (inset). Locals have complained about overcrowding on trains caused by Chinese visitors. Photos: http://www.blick.ch, http://www.swisstravelsystem.com
A Swiss mountain railway operator probably meant well when it launched a train specifically for Asian tourists.
But Chinese visitors are not impressed.
They’re accusing the company of discrimination, according to Ming Pao Daily.
Swiss newspaper Blick earlier reported that locals in the mountain resort of Mt. Rigi have been complaining about overcrowding caused by Chinese tourists.
They said the visitors have been taking up every available space on trains and lack hygiene, sometimes spitting in the cars.
The railway operator responded by rolling out Asia Train exclusively for Asian tourists.
The trains are filled with reminders on proper hygiene including a few about using toilets.
Peter Pfenniger, president of the railway company, said the new service will have up to 20 trips per week.
He rejected accusations the service is discriminatory, saying Chinese tourists can also ride on other trains.
He said the new arrangement is only meant to to ease overcrowding.
Discrimination or not, this is not the first time Chinese tourists have been the subject of complaints by the Swiss.
In June, a four-star hotel put Chinese signs on dining tables to remind its Chinese guests not to take more food than they can eat.
The warning was meant to discourage them from leaving heaps of uneaten food on their plates.
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