Swiss expecting economic boost from Euro 2008

MAGGLINGEN, Switzerland, May 11 (Reuters) Switzerland's co-hosting of next year's European soccer championships will give a significant boost to the national economy, according to a report published today.

The study, commissioned by Switzerland's federal office for sport, predicts that Euro 2008 will generate additional trade of up to 0.18 per cent of the country's total annual production figures.

''The impact will be similar to the annual contribution made by other decent sized Swiss companies with around 7,000 employees -- but from an event which runs for just over three weeks,'' Heinz Ruetter, founder of the Ruetter and Partners agency, which carried out the study, told Reuters.

Between 2.8 and 5.4 million visitors are expected to view matches, either at the stadiums or at the public viewing areas, helping to generate up to 1.11 million overnight stays.

The study estimates that Euro 2008 will provide employment equivalent to up to 7,350 full-time jobs, although the majority of extra work generated will be a result of overtime rather than through the creation of new jobs.

Euro 2008 is due to take place from June 7-29 and will be co-hosted by Switzerland and Austria.

Switzerland will stage matches in Geneva, Berne, Basel and Zurich while Austria hosts games in Innsbruck, Salzburg, Klagenfurt and Vienna.

Reuters AKD VV1618