By Fatima Muhammad
JEDDAH — The number of visitors to Switzerland from the GCC region has increased by 3% in 2016 compared to 2015. Favorite destinations for Saudi, Emirati and Kuwaiti visitors are natural sights that include lakes, forests, and Alps.
Switzerland Tourism representative announced that Saudi Arabia holds the first position, followed by the United Arab Emirates. Overall, 327,551 of GCC tourists with 920,398 overnights have visited Switzerland during Jan-Nov 2016. Visitors spend a daily average of SR1,621.
A delegation from Switzerland hosted Sunday a press conference here at Jeddah Rosewood Hotel to introduce reporters to tourism in different Switzerland destinations with more focus on “back to nature”, speakers also highlighted newly launched Happiness Guide which is expected to help the GCC traveler to find their perfect holiday spot in Switzerland.
Figures show that 100,000 of GCC guests traveled independently through Switzerland on the 1,600km long route. The route takes the traveler through four regions, over five Alpine passes, 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, two Biosphere Reserves and along 22 lakes. Visitors might also use one single Swiss Travel Pass to travel through the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland which links the different parts of the country.
Special packages are offered for young honeymooners who want to enjoy a romantic and cozy atmosphere surrounded by nature. Visitors are also exposed to annual events and festivals take place, such as the Montreux Jazz Festival, the Lucerne Festival, the Art Basel, the Geneva Festival, the X-cat powerboat series in Lugano, the White Turf St. Moritz or the European Golf Open in Crans Montana.
Families are also invited to adventures such as summer tobogganing, paragliding or speed boating, this stunning backdrop enchants children, parents and grandparents alike. Arab travelers have shown a tendency to prefer hotel apartments that offer private environment.
