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6 reasons travellers will want the Grand Tour of Switzerland

Switzerland Tourism is making travel around the country easier for travellers, with an all new pre-planned Grand Tour of the destination.

Switzerland Tourism is making travel around the country easier for travellers, with an all new pre-planned Grand Tour of the destination.

Unveiled in Sydney this week, the Grand Tour of Switzerland is a new initiative by the country’s tourism bureau to excite, entice and surprise travellers.

Director Australia and New Zealand, Mark Wettstein said the tour isn’t just a one-time promotion, but an ongoing, integral part of the bureau’s offerings.

It covers 1,643 kilometres of land and takes travellers to almost every corner of the intimate yet cultural diverse destination.

Mark said the bureau had been cooking up the Grand Tour for sometime as a means of boosting tourism to the destination as well as making it easier for travellers to explore.

From scenic spots to smaller villages, Mark says it encompasses all the highlights of Switzerland plus the less explored treasures.

“It has been designed in such a way that the tour highlights all iconic spots and introduces many lesser known villages and towns that show off the country’s picture perfect scenery and culture.”

Mark Wettstein, Switzerland Tourism Director of Australia and New Zealand

He said Australians, particularly those to Switzerland are a mature market looking for more than just tourism.

They want to blend with the local culture and “prefer an enriching travel experience”.

Which is why he believes this tour is perfect for them.

But that’s not the only reason they’ll want to take the Grand Tour of Switzerland, here are five more:

 

1. Highlights, highlights, highlights

Switzerland Tourism

You know how they say Tasmania is so small you could practically do it in a day. Well, Switzerland is two-thirds of the size of Tasmania, but according to Mark, with different types of appeals for travellers.

The entire tour covers only 1,643 kilometres of land. And while that may seem relatively small compared to other grand tours, it encompasses a wide selection of sights, sounds and culture.

Don’t believe us, then believe the figures:

The Grand Tour takes holidaymakers to 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites; 44 tourist attractions; 120 excursions; and offers five mountain passes.

“You won’t find any place in the world with such a high density of UNESCO World Heritage Sites within such a small area.”

Mark Wettstein, Switzerland Tourism Director of Australia and New Zealand

Travellers will also have the opportunity to explore smaller, lesser known villages such as hidden gem St Ursanne – a city that has preserved its medieval character.

Destination highlights include Lavaux, Valle, Tremola, Appenzell, Zurich and Creaux du Van.

 

2. They’re the happiest people – literally

Switzerland people

With some of the best chocolate available to them, it isn’t hard to understand why the Swiss people were voted ‘happiest people on earth’.

According to the World’s Happiest People report released last month, the Swiss were voted number one for the most happiest – so if clients get lost (which they shouldn’t), locals will be more than happy to help.

 

3. Does your client prefer car or rail?

Switzerland rail

The Grand Tour can be done anyway your clients choose – whether they prefer hitting the road themselves, taking the train or there’s even the bus.

According to Switzerland Tourism figures, around 64 percent of visitors to the country rent a car and explore via self drive.

There’s another 11 percent that prefer to do it via tour.

 

4. Flexible and short

Switzerland 2

The long-distance plane ride from Australia to Europe, means when we’re visiting the continent, we try to take in as much as we possibly can.

That’s why the Grand Tour has been set up in a flexible way that allows your clients to pick and choose the length of their tour.

In total, the Grand Tour of Switzerland can take between six to eight days to complete.

However, Mark says travellers can choose to only do segments of the tour, which will drastically cut down travel time.

The same can be done for the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland, which when done in full can take between four to eight days.

With such a long plane ride to Europe, your clients will want to make the most of their time in the destination as they can

Travellers can pick and choose sections they want to cover and save the rest for another trip.

 

5. Throw out the map and download the app

Switzerland app

The Grand Tour is available via app – so your clients can explore the route while at home and have it with them on the road.

The Grand Tour website – myswitzerland.com also has detailed and hands-on tours for clients to get a clear idea of what they can expect in Switzerland.

 

 

6. It’s for everyone

Switzerland 3

From families to lovers, explorers and attraction, culture and culinary enthusiasts – the tour is designed to cater to travellers from all walks of life.

Travelled to Switzerland? What was your favourite part of the destination?