Take a Selfie in Switzerland
‘Twas Saint Nicholas’ Day in Switzerland when tourism reps from the country descended upon Toronto to promote the European destination.
Among the latest initiatives to engage travellers, the Grand Tour of Switzerland – a 1,600-km route encompassing 22 lakes, 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, five Alpine passes and numerous sights – now features 20 and counting photo opportunities for visitors to pose alongside installed big red picture frames.
“No trip is complete without a selfie,” Evelyn Lafone, Director Canada, Trade Manager Manager Central USA for Switzerland Tourism, told those gathered in the Gladstone Hotel Ballroom for the event on Dec. 6.
Starting in April 2017, travellers will also be able to embark on the tour in electronic vehicles, with an extensive network of charging stations being added along the route.
Along with wine, chocolate and cheese, tourism partners from The Lake Geneva & Matterhorn Region highlighted the latest news, developments and upcoming events like the Ice Climbing World Cup awaiting clients in the destination.
In terms of accommodations, new additions include the recently opened Hotel Rotary Geneva MGallery by Sofitel, the updated Hotel Royal Savoy Lausanne following a $100 million renovation and the upcoming opening of the re-branded Hotel de la Paix, a new Ritz Carlton Partner Hotel in 2017.
With 2017 marking the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, Geneva is boasting a new walking tour for visitors to discover symbolic places in the Old Town of Geneva. There is also a special exhibit on Frankenstein underway at the Rath Museum in Geneva until March 2017, as part of the 200th anniversary of “the year without summer.”
As for skiing, Valais/Wallis invested more than Swiss Franc $100 million in infrastructure for upcoming winter season.
Pictured at the bi-annual trade event are (l-r) Lauriane Zosso, Switzerland Tourism; Franziska Amstutz, Valais/Wallis Promotion; Francois Michel, Lake Geneva Region (and the evening’s raclette cheese master); Evelyn Lafone and Ursula Beamish-Mader of Switzerland Tourism; and Philippe Vignon, Geneva Tourism.
