DREAM DESTINATION: The Glongn/Glenner river flows into the headstream of the Rhine river near Ilanz in Switzerland. — Photo: ST/swiss-image.ch

Bangalore: Switzerland is looking at more Indian tourists, businesspersons and, of course, more Bollywood movies being shot there.

Fredrico Sommaruga, Director, Switzerland Tourism, said at a media interaction here that among tourists who visit his country, Indians account for 25 per cent. This year, 2.5 lakh Indians stayed overnight in Switzerland and 15 per cent more visas were issued to Indian nationals between January and August.

Tourism is big business for that small, picturesque country, forming 6.8 per cent of the GDP and the third largest sector of its economy. The country with a population of 7.2 million has 18 million overseas visitors in an average year. The 18 to 20 Bollywood film crews coming to Switzerland each year will now be actively helped to scout for locations, Ritu Sharma who heads the Swiss Tourism offices in Mumbai said.

"Switzerland Travel Experience," the road show that was staged in Bangalore on Wednesday, is one among several such events to be held across the country.

The average Indian tourist is also a big spender, and Zurich airport offers duty-free shopping in articles ranging from the famous Swiss watches to designer clothing, all at prices to delight any bargain hunter.

"This year's events involve our partners such as Swiss International Airlines, Swiss Travel System, tourist boards of major destinations such as Geneva, Davos, Interlaken, Zermatt and Zurich, mountain and ski resorts and the Mountain Railways," Mr. Sommaruga said.

Special packages for honeymooners at romantic locales are another attraction. Now couples can even "get married" in the Swiss Alps at a height of 10,000 ft at a unique wedding location called the Crystal Lounge on top of Schilthorn. It is known as the "007 Mountain" as it was the location for the James Bond movie "On Her Majesty's Secret Service."

For families, small groups and individuals who want to travel around Switzerland on their own, planning schedules as they like, things just became easier. Rail Europe, a joint venture between the French and Swiss national railways, offers a range of travel passes for visitors under the umbrella "Swiss Travel System." One can travel across the country and the same pass can be used on all public transport systems. From next year, the passes will also double as free tickets to 400 museums and exhibitions all over Switzerland.

Desmond Chacko, who represents Swiss International Airlines in Mumbai, said apart from Mumbai, a daily flight between Delhi and Zurich through an arrangement with Air Canada is being introduced. "We are also looking at a South Indian destination and that could be Bangalore. Our round-trip tickets are economical and we have tour packages starting from Rs. 30,000," he said.

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