Swiss Tourism to invest additional CHF one million in India market

Switzerland receives about 18 million visitors every year and is the third biggest industry for the country accounting for 6 - 6.8 per cent of the GDP. India is among the top four strategic growth markets for Switzerland along with China, Brazil and the GCC countries. “Switzerland is the preferred holiday destination for Indians. Tourist arrivals from India has registered a 100 per cent growth in the last five years and is among our top 12 source markets,” said Michael Maeder, managing director, Switzerland Tourism India. The country is celebrating 2012 as the 'Year of Water' with tourism promotion activities focused on its famous lakes, rivers and glaciers, including cruise, spa, etc. The tourism board is investing an additional amount of CHF one million in India this year.

2011 saw 20.3 per cent increase in the number of overnights from India. In fact the total overnights spent by Indians reached 4,56,930. The daily spends by Indians at CHF 300 is also high when compared to visitors from other markets. “The plans for 2012 include 20 per cent growth that will take the overnights beyond the 500,000 mark,” informed Maeder, adding that they will be introducing new destinations like Engadin St Moritz and products like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express. Key activities in Mumbai this year include a public event on Switzerland in March. There is also a special offer on Swiss Pass this year - from April-May, 2012 and September-November 2012, two people can travel for the price of one.

Youth travel, senior citizen travel and wellness holidays will also be introduced. “The Indian traveller is more evolved so we are focusing on niche segments as well,” said Ritu Sharma, deputy director, Switzerland Tourism India. 'Switzerland for Family', 'Switzerland for Romance/Honeymoon', 'Switzerland for Foodies' are some of the focus areas. “MICE travel from India is also becoming a significant segment for us,” added Sharma. While the MICE movement has mostly witnessed small groups, there have been instances of large groups too, like in May 2011 Amway took 3,500 people to Switzerland.