Sudipta Dev – Mumbai
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Esther Grob
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Zurich Tourism witnessed 6.5 per cent growth from the India market in year 2013, and expects eight per cent additional growth in 2014 – from 123,181 overnights in 2013 to 134,870 overnights in 2014. “We further want to promote Zürich as a hub for side excursions to the regions. So spend the overnight in the city and go on side excursions, for example to the Rhinefalls, Rapperswil, Alpamare water park, Titlis mountain, etc. All reachable within a day excursion,” said Esther Grob, area manager for Russia, India, Japan, Australia, Zurich Tourism. She pointed out that the upcoming trends from India are incentive groups, honeymooners, FITs and mono Switzerland tours plus luxury and gourmet travel.
Highlighting on Zurich Tourism’s engagement with the travel trade community in India, Grob stated, “We have cooperation with Switzerland Tourism Mumbai. So they support us in presenting Zürich in India. Further we did participate at STE Switzerland Travel Experience workshop in India, February 2014.” Apart from week long sales calls tour to agents in Mumbai and Delhi in November, Zurich Tourism also organises FAM trips for the travel trade to Zürich. “We have a close contact with the Switzerland specialised tour operators from India. As still most of the travellers from India book via trade, it is important to have a close contact with the trade and give them full support,” added Grob.
Zürich being located in the middle of Switzerland, the city is an ideal destination for exploring the whole country from one point. “India is for Switzerland a very faithful clientele for many years. So we appreciate them and want them to feel the most comfortable when staying with us,” stated Grob.
Zürich has excellent flight connectivity with India, for instance Turkish Airlines flights from Mumbai/ Delhi via Istanbul.
