IN FOCUS SWITZERLAND


A highlight of Graubunden is the Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt, one of many scenic rail journeys in Switzerland


Zurich and Basel, fl ying from London, Manchester, Birmingham and Dublin. British Airways and easyJet also fl y there, while in the ski season many charter fl ights also serve Geneva.


tourismtalk


Marcelline Kuonen Director UK & Ireland, Switzerland Tourism “2012 has been a diffi cult


year with UK arrivals at hotels down by 11% in the fi rst six months, due to the


Right: Engelberg is the leading mountain resort in central Switzerland


strong Swiss franc and British people deciding to holiday at home. Bookings are coming in later and later, especially for skiing, with many not booking until after the fi rst snowfall, but we are well served by fl ights to Geneva operating to Swiss and French resorts. “Tour operators are doing everything possible to get good deals, for ski and for lakes and mountains. This autumn we are hosting a global conference of adventure sports, which highlights the potential of this sector. We are working on joint marketing with tour operators, and expect to operate an agents’ road- show in April 2013.”


HOTEL BELVEDERE GRINDELWALD


Hotel Belvedere Grindelwald Switzerland


contact details Dorfstrasse 53, CH- 3818 Grindelwald T: 0041 (0) 33 888 99 99 F: 0041 (0) 33 888 99 90 E: hotel@belvedere- grindelwald.ch w: www.belvedere- grindelwald.ch


The Background: This family-run property was Switzerland's fi rst hotel to receive the Travelife Gold Award for outstanding efforts for sustainability. Where Is It? A fi ve-minute walk from the centre of Grindelwald in the Bernese Alps and close to the town's shops, railway, bus station and cable lifts. The Room: The excellent bed came with a choice of mattresses, duvets and pillows on request. A seperate sitting area was equipped with a sofa, TV and desk. The bathroom had a tub and separate shower. A balcony afforded spectacular valley views. Dining: The restaurant far exceeded the anticipated high standards, serving fi ne cuisine and wines. Up to six courses are offered per evening if you wish (a lighter three-course option is also available) and the serving staff impressed with their knowledge, attention and friendly manner. Facilities and Activities: Choose from Piano Bar for live music aperitifs or after-dinner whiskies and liqueurs. Smokers can head


to their own lounge (Fumoir) with its fi rst-class selection of cigars. The relaxing pool area boasted a 6x14m pool, Jacuzzi, a Finnish sauna, steam bath, bio-sauna and 'experience' shower along with a range of massage therapies. Children: Kids are welcome! There is a games room including


A truly


breathtaking backdrop of incomparable mountain views


table tennis and a Nintendo Wii and a play area for younger children. The hotel lays on children's menu as well as cots, baby intercoms and high chairs. There are family rooms hosting up to nine people available. The Cost: See the website for offers. Currently: three nights from CHF597pp (£390) with a free pass for the Jungfrau Railways network. The Verdict: For this hardened traveller… probably the best holiday ever! A truly breathtaking backdrop of incomparable valley and mountain views, including the north face of the Eiger. By Martin Steady


www.sellinglonghaul.com • September/October 2012 17


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