Why sell it
Ever updating its touristic offering, Switzerland Tourism recently launched a refreshed brand identity, with a focus on modernity, diversity and independence. The country was once seen primarily as a skiing destination, but it now has attractive holiday options throughout the year, boosted by legendary Swiss efficiency.
Who to sell to
With its stunning mountains, lakes and breathtaking scenery, summer is perfect for adventure-seekers and lovers of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, e-biking, wild swimming, paddle-boarding and kayaking.
It’s ideal for families, with well-marked trails, farm stays – and thrilling mountain zip wires at Grindelwald, Zermatt, Chur and numerous other locations.
Families will also love a chocolate factory/museum visit such as Lindt’s Home of Chocolate in Zurich, Chocolarium at St Gallen or Maison Cailler near Gruyères.
What to sell
Geneva has some novel guided tours: for example, guests can enjoy a fondue on an e-TukTuk during a 90-minute tour of the old town. Lausanne Tourism offers four new food-themed walking tours: the Trendy Gourmet Tour, visiting three of the latest food establishments; traditional dishes on the Swiss Gourmet Tour; the Choco Tour visiting five top chocolatiers and a Veggie Gourmet Tour.
swisswinetour.com details numerous wine-based activities such as tastings, tours and wine-themed experiences.
Spectacular train journeys include Zermatt to St. Moritz (Glacier Express) and St. Moritz to Tirano (Bernina Express).
When to sell
Switzerland has distinct holiday offerings at different times of year. Skiers and winter sports enthusiasts typically visit from December to March, while March to May sees the country bathed in Alpine blooms and flowering trees. It’s considered the low season, and therefore is pleasantly quieter and flights/accommodation usually cheaper.
Note that many cable cars and other facilities close after Easter until the start of the hiking season in late May.
June to August is high season with the warmest months, ideal for outdoor pursuits. Visits from September to November will align with the grape harvests. It is also less crowded then with cheaper prices.
What’s new
New hiking/cycling/e-biking routes include Route 1291, starting and finishing in Lucerne and passing the Eiger Walk of Fame in the Jungfrau Region.
Passengers can now travel on the Gornergrat Railway in NostalChic Class, a vintage-inspired train carriage seating just 22 people and offering a gourmet menu.
Basel’s cultural offering now includes the Kunsthaus Basell and gallery, which is housed in a converted champagne warehouse in the Dreispitz neighbourhood.
Book it with… Swiss Holiday Company
The Swiss Holiday Company offers Zermatt and Lucerne two-centre packages, including two nights in mountain-top hotels. Prices start from £1,626pp for seven nights’ B&B, sharing, with flights from London. swissholidays.com
