Mumbai: Summer boasts of Switzerlands finest weather with the scenic exquisiteness and countryside landscapes. Keeping this in purview, Switzerland Tourism is offering Grand Tour of Switzerland- a journey of Switzerland spanning more than 1600 kms. The Grand Tour of Switzerland combines the highlights of Switzerland in one single journey. This tour provides a concentrated insight into Switzerland, with exquisite scenic views and cultural jewels. The excellent roads, picturesque mountain passes and the opportunity to stop at any scenic spot makes it a fantastic way to experience the country.

Mr. Urs Eberhard, Executive Vice President, International Markets & MICE, Switzerland Tourism, said, The recent study by ITB World Travel Trends Report 2013 indicated increase in road touring to 27% from 2009 to 2013. A round trip in one or several countries is becoming one of the strongest driving forces in the international tourism industry. Switzerland is highly suitable for such a touristic product since there are few countries which offer attractive landscapes and cultural diversity at close distances from each other. We have excellent road infrastructures which ensure easy driving and thus making the trip experience more enjoyable. With the Grand Tour we are looking forward to a great 2015.

He added, Since Indians also are one of the largest users of the Swiss Travel Pass and absolutely love the travel system, a Grand Train Tour can also be undertaken using public transport. Swiss Travel System has developed a train tour based on a similar route – Grand Train Tour of Switzerland. These connect all of Switzerlands most scenic routes such as the famous Glacier Express and Golden Pass to take you across the country and visit its most famous spots.

Ms. Ritu Sharma, Deputy Director, Switzerland Tourism India, said, Year 2014 was good year for us given the stable government and positive consumer sentiments. Indians spent 480000 nights last year. Grand Tour of Switzerland will aim at providing Indian tourist an opportunity to savour numerous sightseeing opportunities and access to iconic beauty spots for excursions along a route that leads through the most beautiful parts of Switzerland. Also it leads across five Alpine passes, alongside 22 lakes, and to 13 UNESCO highlights with access to three neighbouring countries via Basel, Geneva, and Lugano.

Interestingly, Switzerland is also celebrating 150 years of its Winter tourism this season. The foundation was laid in St. Moritz in Graubünden with a bet between hotelier Johannes Badrutt and British tarvellers, and since then the Swiss winter has been regarded as original throughout the world.

Switzerland Tourism will continue to focus on MICE (Meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) and its specialised MICE division  SCIB (Switzerland Convention and Incentive Bureau) has now started a 100% position in India to look after this growing segment.

Tourism Partners from Switzerland were also present at the event.

Geneva remains the most preferred honeymoon destination for newly weds from India but whats new is also that quite a few couples prefer to tie the knot in this land of crystal clear lakes and snow covered mountain peaks. Geneva hosted some high profile Indian weddings this year.

PILATUS-BAHNEN is investing 18 million Swiss francs in a new aerial cableway Dragon Ride (Fräkmüntegg  Pilatus Kulm). The centrepiece consists of two modern cabins which give passengers the impression of flying thanks to their spacious interior, cockpit-like design and large windows  a mountain experience that gets the adrenalin pumping. It will be open for public by April 2015.

Davos Klosters Inclusive gives you free travel on all lifts and cable cars plus public transport too. Whether youre staying in a hotel, holiday apartment or group accommodation, guests in Davos Klosters receive the Davos Klosters Card for every night they spend in Davos, meaning that they can travel to all six mountains in the resort absolutely free of charge.

The brand new Splash & SPA Tamaro water park, Europe’s most modern water park, has opened doors for public in Rivera which is at short distance from the city of Lugano in Ticino. Its blend of magic and energy offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience, combining relaxation and wellbeing with fun and creativity.

Lake Lucerne Dinner Cruise: Combine a cruise on Lake Lucerne with an Indian dinner and enjoy the unique landscape of Central Switzerland. Pass by beautiful castles and get inspired by the breathtaking view of the nearby mountains. A sumptuous buffet by the finest Indian Restaurant Kanchi awaits you.

Lake Geneva Region: Glacier 3000 is enhancing its offer. From November 2014, vertigo-free visitors can go on the «Peak Walk». The completely new suspension bridge, the second highest in Europe, is the first worldwide to link two peaks. It is 107 meters long and situated at an altitude of 3000 meters! Lots of adrenalin and a spectacular view of the Alps guaranteed!

Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, Interlaken: The VICTORIA-JUNGFRAU plays since 150 years a pioneering role with the highest standards of comfort and cordiality.The property has undergone repeated modernization to meet the ever-changing demands. The hotel offers exclusive accommodation, imposing event rooms and award-winning gastronomy. Plus the 5500 sqm VICTORIA-JUNGFRAU Spa  a wonderful world of wellness acclaimed as one of the finest in Europe.

Street View Rhaetian Railways: A world first for the UNESCO listed Albula/Bernina lines of the Rhaetian Railways. Google has for the first time ever anywhere in the world, incorporated a railway line into its street view service.

St. Moritz is home to top events of international standing, such as the White Turf  International Horse Races since 1907, the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz, the St. Moritz Gourmet Festival and the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in winter.

Zurichs Elephants Get a New Home: The Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park at Zurich Zoo will open on June 7, 2014. Covering an area of 12,000 square yards, the elephant house offers a habitat that is more appropriate to the species. Visitors can view the entire area from the lodge, or else observe the ten resident elephants at close quarters by following the footpath through the outdoor complex, which includes a subterranean view into one of the water basins.

source : Sachin Murdeshwar