Swiss banks or Swiss chocolate? Neither. Why more GCC tourists are flocking to Switzerland

Switzerland and its prominent resort destinations continue to witness a steadily increasing influx of GCC travelers. As revealed by Switzerland Tourism earlier this year, the total of 205,736 tourists from Gulf countries with 593,374 overnights have visited Switzerland during Jan-Nov 2013, which resulted in 22,7 percent increase versus 2012. Their average daily spend was approximately CHF500 ($550) ranking the GCC tourists as first in terms of daily tourist expenditure worldwide.

Located in the heart of Swiss Alps, the luxurious resort of Crans-Montana enjoyed the same trend with a remarkable increase of 42.86 percent in overnights produced by travelers from the Gulf, with Saudi Arabia being the leading feeder market followed by UAE, Kuwait and Qatar.

In order to support this growth and entice more Middle Eastern tourists, especially families, to visit Crans-Montana this summer, the resort has launched an exclusive “Pay Less, Stay More” promotion.

Specially designed for GCC and Middle East travelers by Crans-Montana Tourism board and promoted by their Middle East regional representatives, Insights Middle East, UAE, the deal targets the Middle East travelers – both nationals and residents offering complimentary bonus nights with minimum length of stay starting from 3 nights. There are 16 hotels from Crans-Montana region participating in the promotion.

Starting from $ 200 per night, the accommodation options include luxury, first class, comfort hotels and lodges, which makes the promotion appealing to the various types of travellers with the main focus being on families. The “Pay Less, Stay More” offers will be valid until Sept. 30, 2014.

Philippe Rubod, CEO of Crans-Montana Tourist Board, said: “Middle East is a very important market for us, and we are looking into increasing the numbers of visitors from this part of the world on a yearly basis, as well as building repeat business. Summer in Crans-Montana is the most favorite season with Middle Eastern guests, when they can enjoy wonderful weather and countryside. We understand the needs of Arab travelers, families in particular, in terms of cuisine, accommodation and activities, and our hotels are very well aligned to them”.

Managing Director of Insights Middle East Mona Faraj said: “We are delighted to offer our regional travelers an opportunity to experience Crans-Montana, one of the most premium destinations in Switzerland.”