With Ranveer Singh as brand ambassador, Switzerland Tourism unveils special India-focused campaigns

Thanks to Indian cinema, Switzerland has already climbed the charts as an overseas holiday destination but many prospective travellers hold their travel plans until summer as they believe that winter is not the right time to visit Switzerland.

"Although Indians love to go on a vacation during the summers, we do hope for a change after this campaign," said Ritu Sharma, Deputy Director, Switzerland Tourism India.

Claudio Zemp, Director - India, Switzerland Tourism, said, "In India, we see people getting more adventurous these days. They do not only want to take a cable car up a mountain and take pictures but also want that thrill and rush of adventure sports. Winter is coming up and is an absolutely beautiful time to visit Switzerland."

"One can enjoy various winter activities and explore their hidden passion for adventure and sports, such as skiing, snow-shoe trekking, tobogganing. Those looking for a relaxed holiday, can explore the Christmas markets, open air hot springs and igloo stays," said Zemp.

Therefore, Switzerland Tourism has come up with a unique campaign -- You can...but you don't have to -- that focuses on all the action and adventure that can be explored during winter.

"There are a slew of adventure activities in winter but it is up to the traveller to participate in them or not," explained Zemp.

The summer campaign -- Nature wants you back -- is being led by brand ambassador Ranveer Singh, one of the most popular actors of Hindi cinema.

For summer, the focus will be on activities such as sky-diving, wake-boarding, canyoning along with the country's natural attractions.

Present at the Kolkata meet were representatives of tourism partners of Switzerland Tourism -- Lucerne, Mt Pilatus, Lake Lucerne Navigation, Titlis and Landquart Outlets, who spoke about their respective offerings..

Bask in the 'old' paddle steamers, the elegant motor cruises or the new panorama-yacht among the beautifully landscaped mountains and its eponymous lake situated in the heart of Switzerland at Lake Lucerne Region.

Enjoy a shopping spree with a scenic view at Landquart, an open-air village with special chalet-houses in a typical Swiss style, surrounded by a wonderful mountain backdrop, situated only one hour from Zurich.

At Mt Titlis, you can experience Europe's highest suspension bridge -- the Titlis Cliff Walk and discover the glacier caves, and continue with the Ice-Flyer ride to the Glacier Park.

At Mt Pilatus, Lucerne's landmark mountain, you can enjoy a breath-taking ride on Switzerland's longest summer toboggan run.

But all this tourism expansion does not mean that Switzerland is not attentive to environmental protection and sustainable tourism, said Martin Räber, Sales Manager, Lake Lucerne Navigation Company.

"Apart from the picturesque natural beauty, Switzerland is also a complete package for families and honeymooners who are not only looking at a relaxing vacation but also crave some adventure," said Ritu Sharma.

Details about the Swiss Travel Pass and Swiss Travel Pass Flexi were discussed.

The Swiss Travel Pass is an all-in-one ticket for international guests to travel by rail, road and waterway throughout the whole of Switzerland.

Extra benefits include free admission to more than 490 museums, 50 per cent discount off most mountain railways, free travel on most panorama routes, etc.

Passengers under age 26, who wish to travel through Switzerland by train, bus and boat, can purchase the Swiss Travel Pass Youth at 15% off the regular Swiss Travel Pass price.

The Swiss Travel Pass Flex is the ideal ticket for international guests if you prefer to travel whenever and wherever the fancy takes you. It offers all the advantages of the Swiss Travel Pass, as well as a free choice of travel dates and destinations.

According to Switzerland Tourism, travellers can choose an adventurous adrenaline filled vacation or a leisurely, relaxed trip while taking in the beauty of the breath-taking nature, scenery and serenity of the country that will ensure travellers fall  #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND.

The meet began with a cup of hot chocolate and ended with a wide array of snacks, which included a cheese platter and an assortment of Swiss confectionery among other things, crafted by the chefs of Oberoi Grand.

(Reporting by Uttara Gangopadhyay)