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TRAVELLER
IT SOUNDS LIKE
the plot of a Hollywood film: a
billionaire property developer arrives in a sleepy
rural town with plans to turn it into a glitzy
five-star destination. Much confrontation ensues,
as the plucky villagers fight to defend their way of
life. Ultimately, both parties end up learning a few
touching life lessons.
But this real-life story differs significantly from
the movies. For a start, the developer is Egyptian
Samih Sawiris, rather than a faceless multi-national
corporation hell-bent on making a quick buck and,
furthermore, he could be doing Andermatt a favour.
The town, known for its challenging skiing, has
long been a quiet place. Dairy farms operate in the
valley, and the few bars and shops ply their trade to a
population of 1,300. However, it has been falling off
the main tourist trail for some time; the ski facilities
have become outdated and many residents have left to
pursue jobs elsewhere. Additionally, the recent closure
of an army base, the area’s main source of income for
decades, has left a hole in the resort’s fortunes. It’s t
gap that Sawiris hopes to fill. His firm, Orascom, h
been granted permission by the Swiss government
to create a mixed-use resort from scratch. The plan
include six top-level hotels, 490 residential units, a
course, and sports and commercial outlets.
If all goes to plan, the look and atmosphere of
Andermatt will be completely transformed. “We’re
creating a year-round destination, with golf as
well as skiing, a range of leisure facilities, and links
into cultural events, such as the Lucerne Festival,”
says Sara Collins, sales manager for the project
(
andermatt-swissalps.ch)
. “We want to make
Andermatt a destination in its own right.”
Of course, there are two sides to this story and
Collins is aware of murmurs of local dissent, as wel
as concerns about the large scale of the plan from
environmental groups and local businesses. “We’re
in constant contact with residents and organisatio
regarding the sensitive development of the resort,”
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