Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Oct 22: Bengaluru is set to become the first city in South India to have direct air connectivity with Switzerland, with SWISS International Air Lines launching a non-stop service between Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) and Zurich five times a week from October 28.

The new connection is expected to give a boost to tourism and strengthen technology-sector ties between the two cities, Switzerland Tourism CEO Martin Nydegger has said.

“In two weeks from now, we will have a new connection. This isn't something that our flag carrier does without thoroughly evaluating, which means there is a serious opportunity. It's big connectivity, which makes India one of the best-connected countries to Switzerland,” Nydegger told Deccan Herald.

The inaugural flight from Zurich is scheduled to arrive at KIA in the early hours of October 28. Nydegger said the service was expected to operate in the long term, supporting tourism and trade, particularly in South India.

At present, Delhi and Mumbai are the only Indian cities with direct flights to Switzerland.

The launch comes amid efforts to deepen economic ties between the two countries. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin met in New Delhi to review and expand bilateral economic cooperation under the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), which came into force last year.

Switzerland remains a favourite among Indian tourists

Switzerland continues to attract Indian travellers with its mountains, natural landscapes, cuisine and adventure experiences.

“Long-haul markets such as India have an important role to play in strengthening year-round tourism in Switzerland, especially in our mountain regions. Today's Indian traveller is curious, confident and increasingly looking for experiences that feel personal and authentic,” Nydegger said.

Popular destinations among Indian visitors include Interlaken, Lucerne, Zurich, Geneva, St Moritz, Montreux and Lausanne.

“For Indian travellers, Switzerland's ease of travel is a major draw. Its highly-efficient public transport system, local cuisine, chocolate, scenic train journeys, crystal-clear lakes and the majestic Alps are among the key attractions,” said Christian Schoch, Director India, Switzerland Tourism.

India is among Switzerland's top 10 source markets, alongside Germany, the United States and China. Demand comes from families and travellers from both major metropolitan centres and smaller cities.

6.78 lac hotel overnights recorded last year

Switzerland recorded 678,000 hotel overnights by Indian visitors last year. However, Switzerland Tourism expects the figure to decline this year amid the evolving geopolitical situation in West Asia, while anticipating a recovery in the second half of the year.

“Last year, in terms of Indian footfalls in Switzerland, we saw 678,000 hotel overnights. This year, we expect a decrease, due to the evolving geopolitical situation in West Asia. However, we also foresee recovery in the second half of the year, with travellers also getting used to this 'new normal',” Schoch said.

Hotel overnights refer to the total number of nights visitors spend in accommodation.

Meanwhile, Switzerland Tourism has appointed Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues as its new Friendship Ambassador for India.