With over 450,000 overnights being spent by Indians, Switzerland Tourism has witnessed about 20.3 per cent growth in tourist influx from the country. According to Ritu Sharma, deputy director, Switzerland Tourism India, the growth of tourists from India in 2011 is one of the highest amidst the global economic situation.
"It is exciting to have new Swiss partners coming to India to showcase their products to the travellers here. We have almost doubled the number of partners to 22 from 12 last year indicating the growing importance of Indian markets and also suggesting that the Indian traveller is exploring new regions and new interests in Switzerland," said Sharma.
What's more, Swiss Tourism registered splendid growth of 100 per cent over last five years with a consolidated total of 1.55 million overnights spent by Indians, making it one of the most favoured destinations globally by Indians. Enthused by the demand over the last years, Switzerland Tourism has targeted a further 20 per cent growth in overnights spent by Indians in Switzerland for 2012 through aggressive marketing to travellers across age groups and across states like Gujarat and Maharashtra.
The Swiss Tourism will also see an active participation by new partners such as Engadin St. Moritz and the magnificent Glacier Express and Bernina Express railways.
"India is a very important market for us. Last year the Swiss Government, realising the importance of Indian tourists, had allocated an extra marketing budget for India. After observing the immense success of this campaign, similar additional budget has been allocated this year as well," said Michael Maeder, managing director, Switzerland Tourism India.
According to Sharma, Switzerland is also becoming more and more popular with small groups of 100-200 people as well as for large movements.
"For instance Amway took 3500 people to Switzerland in May 2011," she added.
Meanwhile, Switzerland Tourism will undertake varied marketing activities for 2012 ranging from consumer reach out programmes, advertising campaigns including TVCs on leading channels to training programs for travel agents in tier II and tier III cities of the country.
