Record growth to Switzerland

AUSTRALIA’S love for Switzerland continues to grow with a record 14% increase in overnight stays posted last year.

According to Switzerland Tourism, Australians contributed to a total of 364,713 overnights in 2017, and early figures indicate the market is on track to surpass 400,000 overnights this year.

“We are very proud of this, and even more impressed that 50% of Australian visitors are staying longer than eight nights in Switzerland,” said Switzerland Tourism director Australia & New Zealand Mark Wettstein.

The tourism board’s “Nature wants you back” campaign is in its second year, and this summer will encourage visitors to see untouched and unknown tourist paths by promoting 11 pop-up hotels in hidden places across Switzerland.

The accommodation ranges from a basic fisherman’s hut in Basel on the Rhine River to a romantic boathouse at Lake Lucerne, or at the top of a castle in ancient Bellinzona.

“Taste My Swiss City” is the second initiative launched this year to complement the summer campaign, which offers a food and drink experience.

Visitors can book a two- to three-hour self-guided, off-the- beaten-track tasting tour based on recommendations by locals across 11 major cities.

“People from all over the world are flocking to our country to enjoy the unspoilt nature in Switzerland, and it really is so easy to explore our country on foot or bike,” Wettstein said.

Pictured above during the Sydney Travel Experience Roadshow yesterday are 12 delegates representing Switzerland’s key tourism regions and the teams from Swiss Air Lines and Switzerland Tourism.