talking shop
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“The region around Bern is so diverse it is important to encourage visitors to stay longer and do more. There is so much more here than most people realise”
CATHERINE RAEMY, MARKETING MANAGER, MADE IN BE!
WHO: SWITZERLAND TOURISM AND PARTNERS WHAT: DESTINATION DIALOGUE SWITZERLAND WHERE: THE MILK BAR, SOHO &THE ALBERT SQUARE CHOP HOUSE, MANCHESTER WHEN: MAY 19/20, 2015 WHY: LEARN MORE ABOUT SWITZERLAND, ITS RESORTS, AND HOW TO TRAVEL THERE
THE CHALLENGES Switzerland is a diverse country but the challenge is to raise awareness of its appeal and options outside wintersports, and to encourage clients to stay longer. It features strongly in lakes and mountains programmes targeting the 35-plus but is less popular with younger generations and can be perceived as expensive if not sold properly. Corinne Genoud, new UK Director for Switzerland Tourism, said: “Tourism in Switzerland was practically invented by the British. We have a very loyal client base but we need the trade to be real ambassadors for Switzerland, showing clients the hidden gems and sharing new ways to explore the destination.”
THE OPPORTUNITIES
SIERRE ANNIVIERS: Known as the cellar of Switzerland, Sierre Anniviers is home to over 600 wine-makers and food and drink tours make it popular with gastronomes. The area is surrounded by the ‘Imperial Crown’, a collection of fi ve mountain peaks. Chateau de Villa is a great starting point for local produce and tastings. VALAIS: Valais is a 150km valley in southern Switzerland famed for top ski resorts Verbier, Saas-Fee and Zermatt but also for its 800km of hiking and biking trails and for hosting the European Masters at its Crans-Montana course. BERN: The capital of Switzerland is a diverse and vibrant city with a wealth of traditional attractions such as its parliament
building and Münster cathedral, alongside other attractions such as the Einstein Museum and its bear park. Bern’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. MOUNT RIGI: This mountain resort can be reached by boat and cog railway from Lucerne, or by train from Zürich and cog railway. Rigi Kulm, at the top, has 360-degree views, hotels and shops, while middle station Rigi Kaltbad has two hotels and a mineral spa. There are 75 miles of hiking paths and, in the winter, great skiing for families and beginners. LUCERNE: Just one hour from Zürich, this medieval lake city is celebrating 200 years of hospitality this year and has added a spectacular water lily-shaped swimming platform to the lake. The
Lake Lucerne Circle Trail has been revamped and improved for hikers. MOUNT PILATUS: The top of this mountain can be reached via the Pilatus railway, the world's steepest cogwheel railway, leaving from Alpnachstad on Lake Lucerne. At the top of the mountain are two hotels plus restaurants, a rope park and the Pilu-Land theme park. This April the new Dragon Ride cable car opened with panoramic windows.
The winning agents Agents took home prizes
including a Mammut rucksack and a Swiss weekend break for two, won by Inghams' Tristan Osborne in London and Kuoni's Michelle Dempsey in Manchester.
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sellingtravel.co.uk
Switzerland is a travel destination focused around natural beauty and alpine sport. It’s well known for its wintersports and its lakes and mountain summer products such as hiking and biking. Switzerland Tourism is building on this by promoting the new Grand Tour of Switzerland itinerary, offered through tour operator Switzerland Travel Centre. This encourages travellers to drive the country at their own pace on an eight- night scenic route.
The Grand Train tour of Switzerland is a similar experience but based on Switzerland’s fi rst class public transport system. The journey takes in 11 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Switzerland.
Focus on Switzerland
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