Switzerland eyes 10% growth in tourists from India in 2014

Switzerland is aiming at 10 per cent growth in tourist arrivals from India at around 5,65,000 this year with a special focus on young travellers.

The tourist footfalls from India stood at 5,11,000 last year in the European country, known as the paradise on earth and considered one of the most sought after global destinations for holiday-makers.

"Last two years (2012 & 2013) have not been great (for India) due to rupee depreciation, sluggish growth and global economic turmoil. However, things are improving and we are getting a lot of enquiries and advance bookings," Switzerland Tourism India Deputy Director Ritu Sharma said here today.

In the election years there is usually a boom in travel after the polls get over, she said. "We are expecting a surge in numbers from the third week of May." "We are aiming for a 10 per cent growth in tourist arrivals from India (over last year)," she said.

Besides families, who travel with children and usually look for the classical Swiss experiences such as mountain excursions, scenic trains and breathtaking locales, Switzerland is also focusing on youth, Sharma said.

Youth have now acquired spending power to travel on their own and they generally look for new experiences, different cuisines, new destinations and adventures, she said.