North American tourism to Switzerland has doubled since 2019 and the demand for increased transportation has been answered. Convenient and culturally immersive, Switzerland has given the North American tourist, and diligently planning travel agents, a giant transportation high five. There are now three new and noteworthy options for entering this picturesque, storybook country. For business or leisure tourists, getting to Switzerland has never been easier or more culturally immersive.
Arriving by Air
Switzerland’s national carrier, Swiss International Airlines, now flies two additional direct routes from North America. Washington-Dulles (DCA) and Toronto International Airport (YYZ) offering a combined additional 12 flights per week. According to a recent press conference hosted by Switzerland Tourism, The DCA airport lounge will soon receive a refresh for enhanced traveler usage.
Tourists with discerning tastes and appreciation for hospitality will have a hard time finding fault with Swiss International Airlines. Business travelers will embrace the airline’s efforts to make sure they arrive rested and relaxed to their destination, starting in their lounges and continuing through their flight. Economy travelers will appreciate touches of Swiss culture provided at no additional cost, including pure Swiss mineral water and a ‘thank you’ chocolate. Intercontinental flights include robust meal choices and specialty meals available for preorder. An elevated à la carte menu with additional items is available on most flights.
Arriving via Gondola
The newest and most exciting way to enter and exit Switzerland is The Matterhorn Alpine Crossing! This gondola ride over pristine Swiss countryside encompasses five Swiss stops and four on the Italian side. It proudly claims the title of the highest border crossing in the alps, previously only navigable via ski or foot traffic. This trip can be taken as a round trip (4-5 hours) passage or a multi-country, one-way pass through either Zermatt, Switzerland or Cervinia, Italy (approximately 90 mins). Matterhorn Alpine Crossing passes allow guests to hop on and off at all stops. See-through floors ensure your clients appreciate their journey over the Alps highest border crossing. Tourists utilizing the Swiss Travel Pass receive 50% off the Swiss portion of the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing.
Very shortly, on the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing, passengers can take advantage of a new luggage transport service. This service will transport guests’ luggage, for a fee, to their end destination. By simplifying the logistics of luggage storage travelers can travel hands free, hike, and explore without being loaded down by their overnight necessities.
Swiss Travel Pass
It’s worth mentioning, that in addition to the newest routes into and around Switzerland, existing transportation options are a traveler’s dream. For travel agents with clients that worry over the logistics of getting around, the Swiss have a solution: the Swiss Travel System. The Swiss Travel Pass is designed especially for, and only available to, guests from abroad.
The Swiss have a reputation for being efficient and on time. Nowhere is it more clear than in their transportation system. They boldly defend their title with timely arrival and departures. Unlike other regional train reliant countries, striking is unheard of and your clients can enjoy their itinerary undisturbed by transportation woes.
“Punctuality is in our DNA and our trains run with Swiss precision. If a train happens to be three minutes late, everyone starts looking at their watches and getting annoyed. Our system is reliable.”
Christelle Deillon, Sales & Marketing Manager North America
Starting directly from the airport the Swiss Travel System has your clients covered. The Swiss Travel Pass includes buses, boats, and trains to zip your clients around Switzerland. This pass includes the very popular scenic train tours. However, it should be noted that while most transportation options do not need reservations the scenic routes are an exception. Please advise, or generously make, your clients scenic train reservations in advance.
Travel agents looking to gain certification in the Swiss Travel System can register and complete a short training through the Swiss Travel System Excellence E-learning System. Upon completion, you will not only be able to dialog with your clients knowledgeably but earn a diploma and gain a chance to visit Switzerland personally!
North American tourists are flocking to Switzerland in increasing numbers, attracted by Switzerland’s winter skiing, summer hiking, and amazing hospitality. Tourists and business traveler numbers signaled a need for increased transportation options. Two new flight routes on Swiss International Airlines with improved frequency and Swiss cultural flair are now operable. Adventurers can pass over the alps and into Switzerland via the high-flying Matterhorn Alpine System, generously discounted through The Swiss Travel Pass.
