New Swiss tourism boss targets Alpine cyclists and non-skiers
Martin Nydegger, left, is the new head of Switzerland Tourism.
Keystone
New head of Switzerland Tourism Martin Nydegger expects hotel bookings to rise by 4% this winter season, owing to abundant snow. In an interview with Sonntagszeiting and Le Matin Dimanche newspapers, he also talks about priorities for 2018.
This content was published on
2 minutes
SDA-ATS/jc
Nydegger took over on January 1 from Jürg Schmid, who had headed the organizationExternal link for 18 years. He says he is planning some changes, but not a big shakeup.
“Switzerland Tourism needs to develop more products and not be content with the existing ones,” he says. For example, the organization wants to attract foreign ski debutants with an inclusive “First Ski Experience” package (equipment, lift passes, instructor).
He says the sector does not plan to raise prices as it is enjoying the favourable effects of a stronger Euro against the Swiss franc. “That would not be very smart,” Nydegger told the newspapers. “Prices have been coming down. And we have learned lessons from the perceptions that Switzerland is too expensive.”
Nydegger’s plans for 2018 include a summer initiative for cyclists called “Ride the Alps”, during which certain passes in the Swiss Alps will be closed some days for all but cyclists.
He also says Swiss Tourism must take on board the importance of rental platform Airbnb, which is “not just an urban phenomenon” in Switzerland. However, he said Airbnb “must play by the rules like all other competitors, including when it comes to taxes, police, fire and health regulations”.
“I am in close touch with Airbnb and I sense a real will on their part to conform with the current rules,” the new Switzerland Tourism boss said.
Asked whether US President Donald Trump’s recent visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos would really bring in the CHF20 million predicted by experts, he said he is “almost certain”. “It is not due just to Trump but to all the elite guests,” Nydegger continued. “The images of our snowy landscape have gone all round the world, and that’s worth its weight in gold.”
Popular Stories
More
Culture
Wealth is not all: how gentrification in Zurich has led to housing shortage
Swiss invention: 90-year anniversary of first T-bar ski lift
This content was published on
On Monday it will be 90 years since the world’s first T-bar ski lift went into service in Davos. This Swiss invention was an instant success.
Iran summons Swiss ambassador over US and Italy arrests
This content was published on
Iran has summoned the Swiss ambassador, who represents US interests, to protest against the arrest in the US and Italy of two Iranians.
Swisscom receives greenlight for acquisition of Vodafone Italia
This content was published on
The takeover of Vodafone Italia by Swisscom is nearing completion. All relevant authorities have now approved the €8 billion (CHF7.45 billion) deal.
Novo Nordisk stock market plunge drags down Swiss device maker Ypsomed
This content was published on
The Danish pharmaceutical giant, Novo Nordisk, faced setbacks on Friday that weighed on the share price of Swiss injection device manufacturer Ypsomed.
Swiss press react to EU deal with mix of euphoria and scepticism
This content was published on
Swiss media reaction to the agreement between Switzerland and the EU varies widely. Some are celebrating, while others worry about what is to come.
Swiss Solidarity donations to tackle child abuse top CHF4 million
This content was published on
Swiss Solidarity, the humanitarian arm of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), has raised over CHF4 million ($4.3 million) to tackle child abuse.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Switzerland’s tourism conundrum
This content was published on
The Alps, lakes, villages and valleys of Switzerland have long earned it the reputation of a touristic paradise. Why are visitors shunning it now?
This content was published on
These are difficult times for the tourism business in the small alpine nation. The number of overnight stays by Chinese tourists fell by 19.7% in summer, Switzerland Tourism External linkreported on Tuesday. This is a worrying trend for tourism officials, as Chinese visitors were leading recent growth in Switzerland up until recently. The lower numbers…
This content was published on
Figures issued by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) have revealed a structural change in where tourists are coming from. The number of visitors from Europe, the traditional market of Switzerland’s inbound tourism, has been declining sharply. Meanwhile, the numbers of visitors from China, the Gulf states, and Southeast Asian countries had been on the rise.…
This content was published on
The majority of Switzerland’s 350 tourist offices will disappear over the next few years, according to Switzerland Tourism.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.