Davos ski resort eerily quiet without WEF this year
Student protesters who urged world leaders at the 2020 World Economic Forum in Davos to “Stop (f)lying to us” must be pleased this year, at least as far as the flying is concerned.
The streets of the little Alpine town that welcomed around 3 000 business chiefs, political thinkers and state leaders for last year’s annual meeting lie deserted. Discussions have moved online, starting Monday, and COVID-19 restrictions are also keeping regular tourists away.
“Look around, it’s empty. Normally, all hotels would be fully booked at this time,” Reto Branschi, head of Davos Klosters tourism, told Reuters in an interview this week.
Svea Meyer, owner of cafe KaffeeKlatsch in Davos, said she had to lay off some staff and was now preparing for the possibility that the World Economic Forum might not come back to Davos at all.
“I cannot see anything good (in the cancellation), we’ve built so many relationships over the years, made friends,” she said with a look of regret.
But not everybody is sad about the lack of buzz.
“Complete peace and quiet,” a local woman wearing a mask said. “I don’t miss it at all.”
Source: SABC News (sabcnews.com)