Switzerland is a country much more than dramatic landscapes, quaint country settings, chocolates, cheese and watches. The destination’s central location in the heart of Europe with its largest lakes—Geneva, Constance (Bodensee), and Maggiore—straddling the French, German-Austrian, and Italian borders, respectively wonderfully combines the cultural influences of its neighbours, truly making it one of its kind in the European continent.
The diverse linguistic, culinary, architectural and musical traditions shape the Swiss culture in different parts of the country such as the regions of Basel, Zurich, Geneva and the ’King of all mountains’ – Matterhorn conveniently accessible by the Glacier Express. Mt Pilatus, Jungfraujoch, Gornergrat, Glacier 3000, Mt Titlis and Schilthorn summit all built up at over 3,000 meters above sea level are now expanding their restaurant, hotel, seminar and entertainment offers for Indian travellers with special packages dedicated to families, children and honeymooners.
To ensure high standards of comfort on board to Indian travellers, Swiss International Air Lines (LX) has introduced the brand new Airbus A330-300 aircraft on the India route and Swisstours has recently launched its online booking engine with a database of over 13,000 hotels, apartments and Swiss Rail Passes all payable in Indian rupees. Kuoni Destination Management has introduced Kuoni Connect, a brand new online booking platform for corporate travellers to Europe.
The Zurich Airport with an aviation network encompassing 120 destinations throughout the world and with access to one of the best road and railway network globally, is located at the foot of the majestic Alps right in the heart of Europe making Switzerland synonymous with a cross-cultural European experience, all available in one destination.
Mr Joerg Krebs, Director Markets India, GCC, Russia, Nordic countries, Czech Rep. and Poland says, “India is one of the fastest growing markets for Switzerland Tourism and is our second largest market in Asia after Japan. We value the cooperation of the travel trade and will continue to work closely with them to promote the various products that we have to offer to the Indian outbound.“ He further adds, “Since India is now one of the top five emerging markets for Switzerland Tourism, we have decided to appoint a dedicated Director from our Head Office to be based in Mumbai from April 2010.’’
Switzerland Tourism chalked up growth despite the global recession with an increase of 2.1% in total arrivals from India from January to October 2009 resulting from a total of 300150 overnights spent by Indians in Switzerland. Also last year Switzerland became a part of the Schengen agreement implying that tourists with a Schengen visa can now travel to the country without having to obtain an additional Swiss visa, making it easier for travellers to travel across most of Europe on one visa.
Besides swish hotels there are several serviced apartments in Switzerland that Indian travellers prefer staying in mostly due to the convenience offered by an attached kitchenette. These are also ideal for Indian families who prefer to have their children staying in the same room as them. In 2009, out of the total overnights, Indian tourists spent around 200000 of them in such apartments.
Switzerland has always been very well positioned for leisure and corporate visitors, and specifically for family holidaymakers, young travellers, honeymooners and working couples romantic at heart. The destination has dedicated this year to niche holidaymakers who prefer walking and hiking tours, by announcing the curent year as the ’Year of Hiking 2010’. The destination’s 60,000 kilometres of marked trails take tourists to the quiet of nature from the undulating Jura foothills to the Schweizer Mittelland. Last year more than 40 companies rewarded their best dealers and employees from India to an Alpine holiday indicating that the destination also continuous to be a favourite for Incentives.
And more than this is the fact that this wonderland of scenic mountain trails with opportunities for hiking and bicycling, golfing, and cosmopolitan experiences that offer plenty in the way of gourmet dining, sophisticated culture and nightlife, incorporates a unique cross-cultural confluence like no other in the heart of Europe.
Because Switzerland, while one country, is an amalgam of wondrous lands.
About Switzerland Tourism
Switzerland Tourism (ST) is a federal public corporation. Its mission, as decreed by a Federal Resolution of 16 December 1994, is to promote Switzerland as a holiday, travel and conference destination both at home and abroad. ST’s principal activity is to develop and implement effective marketing programmes, as well as to position Switzerland in international markets as a strong, modern but timeless brand. The company is managed according to business criteria focused on markets’ needs and clients’ satisfaction. The Board comprises 13 representatives from the tourism sector, and from business and political circles. Around 220 employees work in Switzerland and in 28 other countries.
