Switzerland Tourism is expecting 50 per cent growth in overnight stays by Indian visitors in five years, on the back of\u00a0increased connectivity and new attractions.<\/p>\n
While tourist arrivals from India have yet to recover to 2019 level, spending by Indians is higher than pre-pandemic years. This is partly fuelled by inflation and also increased preference by Indians for luxury accommodation and adventure trips.<\/p>\n
\n600,000 overnight stays in 2023
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In 2023, Indian visitors recorded over 600,000 overnight stays in Swiss hotels and the number is expected to rise to over 900,000 in five years. \u201cDemand from India is growing exponentially,\u201d said Switzerland Tourism CEO Martin Nydegger on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
While tourist arrivals from the US have exceeded the pre-pandemic level, Indian arrivals are yet to catch up due to logistical issues such as capacity and visa issuance challenges.<\/p>\n
India is Swiss tourism\u2019s seventh largest\u00a0foreign source market and Indians are among top five travel spenders in the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cSwitzerland is a popular summer gateway for Indian tourists but we believe it\u2019s also the perfect autumn and winter destination,\u201d said Christian Schoch, Switzerland Tourism\u2019s Director, India. Recently,\u00a0Air India launched four weekly services between Delhi-Zurich. Swiss operates daily flights to Delhi and Mumbai.<\/p>\n
Over 60 per cent of Indians travel to Switzerland between April and June. Five years ago that figure was 80 per cent.<\/p>\n
While European cities are grappling with concerns of \u201covertourism\u201d and imposing taxes, Switzerland wants to promote travel in harmony with locals.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is a phenomenon which we see in other destinations and in order do ensure we don\u2019t face the problems we have a five point agenda which includes developing tourism that is in harmony with locals,\u201d Nydegger said.<\/p>\n