Switzerland Tourism’s biennial Switzerland Travel Experience Roadshow (STE) took place from 8-16 September. Concluding on a high note, eight lucky agents are now counting down to their December visit to the alpine country, with countless more thoroughly inspired and geared up to assist clients with their Swiss travel bookings.
Nearly 400 advisors across Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Auckland and Christchurch attended the in-person event. They connected with the Switzerland Tourism ANZ team and key Swiss partners to learn all about the country’s sustainability strategy, Swisstainable, be updated with the latest news and product experiences, and gather tips for seamless travel.
A major takeaway from the event is that sustainability in Switzerland is more than just a trend, with the Swiss people and businesses being fully committed and engaged in the process and leading the way to a greener future with all sorts of innovative initiatives, experiences and ideas.
In line with, and as part of, the Swisstainable effort, a city campaign called ‘Run the Swiss Cities’ was highlighted during STE. Featuring 12 scenic routes across Zurich, Basel, Lugano and Geneva, the campaign heroes the cities’ architectural, historical and cultural aspects while showcasing their short proximities to pristine nature. It also encourages the discovery of more of the country on foot.
While the recovery from ANZ is gradually recovering, visitor overnight stays for summer this year in Switzerland have rebounded well since the pandemic – up 41.5% on 2021. Considering the different challenges due to the pandemic and the economic and political crises, overnights for autumn are also looking positive at a 4% increase in visitation.
Switzerland Tourism shared that the Australia/New Zealand market is on track to reach 2019 numbers by 2024.
Hosted by Livio Goetz, Birgit Weingartner and Michele Steinegger from Switzerland Tourism ANZ, attendees also met with partners: Céline Deplazes, Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region; Peter Niederberger, Mt Titlis; Isabelle Rapisarda, Jungfrau Region; Dario Gross, Jungfrau Railways; Renato Julier, Interlaken Holiday Region; Andreas Nef, Swiss Travel System; Alan Ramsay, Schilthorn; Patricia Huber, Matterhorn Zermatt Cableways; Gabriele Huber, Glacier Express & Gornergrat Bahn; and Eliana Martinez, Swiss International Air Lines.
For advisors who weren’t able to attend, key highlights from the partners include:
