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Sudipta Dev – Mumbai
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Reto Rostetter
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The Rhaetian Railway (RhB) that operates the largest private railway network in Switzerland considers India as a priority market. “All markets are important, but the Indian market has a great potential as Indian guests like nature, travelling by trains. We hope to get an increase of 10 per cent this year compared to 2013. This is an increase of 450 guests from India,” said Reto Rostetter, manager overseas market, Rhaetian Railway.
The most popular routes frequented by Indian tourists is from Zermatt to Chur or St Moritz on the Glacier Express, mentioned Rostetter. He pointed out that while new routes are not foreseen, Davos Klosters and Engadin St Moritz as destinations are strengthening their promotion efforts in India.
“We are sure, that our panorama trains will be an attraction for Indian guests. Together with the destinations Engadin St Moritz and Davos Klosters we are three strong partners in the market. We are aware that we still have a long way in front of us, as most Indian guests visit Interlaken, Lucerne or Mount Titlis first, but we count on repeaters who look for something new,” he said.
Most Indians travel with the Swiss Pass, which covers all train routes, post buses, lake boats and public transport in 40 Swiss cities. “Also included is free entry to 400 Swiss museums. Therefore, no special offerings are needed,” said Rostetter.
In 2012, Rhaetian Railway had introduced Indian food on Glacier Express. One of the lines, the Bernina Bahn, crosses the Bernina Pass to the Italian border and on to Tirano in Italy. In 2008 the Rhaetian Railway in the Albula / Bernina area was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Rhaetian Railway is represented in India by Aviareps.
