Switzerland sees big increase in GCC tourists in post-Covid era

Sajjad Ahmad, Deputy Business Editor

Switzerland’s tourism sector is getting momentum after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in March. The country has witnessed a significant rise in the tourist inflow in last few months.

The global tourism and hospitality sector struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic and Switzerland was no exception, but our tourism industry is now back on track after the easing of travel restrictions globally, said Tiffany Duc, PR and Media Manager, Montreux- Vevey Tourism, Switzerland.

She said, “Switzerland is receiving a major chunk of visitors from the GCC region and the United States of America in the post-Covid era.”


Michaela Geiger (left) and Tiffany Duc.

Tiffany added,“ We are designing new strategies to attract more tourists from the wider Middle East region with particular focus on the Gulf countries.”

“Swiss Tourism are participating in all big tourism-related events in the GCC region and showcasing our latest products to the world. Our representatives for the GCC market in constant coordination with the local tour operators and tourism bodies to chart out new strategies and accelerate the arrival of tourists to our destinations.”

“Gulf Cooperation Council is a very important market for us as the tourists from the GCC are big spenders and usually stay for longer duration in the country. We expecting a huge inflow from this market in the next few months.”

 “Montreux and Vevey offer tourists a unique experience of history and natural beauty. The Swiss Riviera also boasts a wealth of renowned clinics at the cutting edge of healthcare. In addition to its clinics, the wellness and spa centres of luxury hotels offer a wide range of revitalising and relaxing experiences,” she concluded.

Michaela Geiger, Manager Media Marketing at Swiss Travel System said, “Montreux and Vevey is one of the calm place and offer great value for money especially for families. The region is well-connected through the Swiss Travel System.”

She added,” Our travel system is one of the best in the world and playing a big role in the economic growth of the country. The Swiss Travel System provides connectivity to all major tourists destination.The Swiss Travel Pass is a very unique and cost-saving feature of the  travel system. The pass can be used for all transportation including rail, buses and boats as well as for entry to major museums.”

She concluded, “the region is a must see destination and offer a strong infrastructure including luxurious and affordable accommodation and a well-connected transportation system.”

Montreux Riviera offers the ideal destination whether travellers are seeking outdoor adventures, an immersion into nature, wellbeing retreats or a journey through the area’s fascinating historical past.

A multi-faceted destination, the towns and villages around the spectacular region offer everything from wine tasting to UNESCO heritage sites, allowing visitors of all ages to find adventures in its breathtaking scenery.

Montreux comes alive with music between the months of July to September, with the Montreux Jazz Festival and Septembre Musical, while a diverse programme of cultural and gastronomic events is dotted through the summer for guests to enjoy.

With Lake Geneva and the Alps as its backdrop, Vevey discreetly retains its worldly, lavish feel while simultaneously conserving its down-to-earth, working-class soul. Thanks to its historic centre dotted with shops, its quays and bi-weekly traditional markets, the town is the ideal destination for a stroll.

With an array of museums including Jenisch Museum, the Swiss Camera Museum, Alimentarium, Brotherhood of Winegrowers Museum and Chaplin’s World, the city has become a major cultural hub. Vevey also hosts the Festival Images, an open-air photography biennial event.

Visitors can explore the attractive town of Villeneuve, perched on the most southerly tip of the Swiss Riviera. The city with its historic market town, is particularly renowned for its vineyards and beauty of the surrounding countryside.

Lavaux is also a must-see destination, listed as a UNESCO cultural heritage site since 2007 with centuries of history in its midst. The land stretching from Lutry to Corsier-sur-Vevey has been shaped by human hands since the 11th century.

the region is a gastronomic destination, offering the best of local specialties from cheese to chocolate, to the flavours inspired by the richness of the region’s surrounds. Montreux Riviera is the destination of choice for the most discerning gourmets with its cuisine showcasing local food.

Chillon Castle is an island castle located on Lake Geneva, south of Veytaux in the canton of Vaud. It is situated at the eastern end of the lake, on the narrow shore between Montreux and Villeneuve, which gives access to the Alpine valley of the Rhone. Chillon Castle a medieval gem nestled in an exceptional panorama between Swiss mountains and lake.