Switzerland Tourism today said it expects 25 per cent increase in the number of Indian tourist arrivals in the country this year and will increase its promotions in tier II and tier III cities as it looks to woo people from smaller places in India. Last year,we saw a growth of 25 per cent in the number of Indian tourist arrivals. Indias economy is growing and we expect the same growth this year as well, Switzerland Tourism India Michael Maeder told reporters here. Switzerland Tourism is the representative body that promotes the countrys tourism across the world. He said around two lakh Indians visited the nation in 2010. As part of the plan to achieve a 25 per cent increase this year,the board will organise road shows and other promotional activities,especially in smaller Indian cities. Understanding the importance of the tier II and tier III cities,Switzerland Tourism will also undertake specific sales tours to train the travel agents, he said. It is also planning to focus more on promotion of Switzerland as a MICE (Meeting and Incentive groups) destinations,besides introducing more travel destinations of the country in India. We have received some very good feedback from tour operators,meeting planners and guest alike and are committed to grow both the Free Individual Travellers (FIT),MICE and honeymooners segment, he said. Maeder said India is one of the top three emerging markets for Switzerland Tourism,and it is planning to increase its investment by 35 per cent for the Indian market. He,however,did not disclose the kind of investment the country puts in India. After China and Russia,India is a potential market for us. Our investments are significant here. We plan to spend an additional 35 per cent towards marketing expenditure to boost growth in India, he said.
