Switzerland prepares to ‘open’ its borders
Graubundenregion poised for influx of
GCC families after
Switzerland prepares to ‘open’ its borders
·
Switzerland will welcome fully vaccinated GCC
visitors when it opens its borders on 26 June 2021
Tourism officials in the Canton
(state) of Graubunden, also known as Grisons, in
Switzerland are gearing up for a busy summer as the Swiss government prepares
to open its borders on 26 June to visitors from the GCC countries who have been
fully vaccinated.
The new ruling, which was ratified on Wednesday
23 June, now allows GCC residents who have been vaccinated with a European Medical Agency (EMA) and WHO approved
vaccination, such as Pfizer or Sinopharm(up-to 12 months after vaccination), entry
into Switzerland without any pre-travel PCR test or quarantine on arrival.
“Switzerland
and the Graubunden region in particularhave always been favourite holiday
destinations for tourists from the GCC and with the re-opening of the borders,
we look forward to welcoming them again this summer.
“This year
in particular, the fresh air, outstanding natural beauty, mild climate and
healthy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and sailingmake it the
perfect destination for family pursuits,” said Tamara Loeffel,
Head of Business Development, Visit Graubunden.
And according to official sources, in
the years prior to the pandemic, GCC tourists were responsible for approximately
one million overnight stays per annum in Switzerland, with daily expenditure of
around US$ 466 per day each.
Many of the GCC visitors are leisure
tourists, travelling mostly during the summer months. Residents from the UAE
and Saudi Arabia make up the bulk (70%) of thetourist arrivals to Switzerland
from the GCC, with Kuwait and Qatar accounting for over 10% with the balance coming
from Bahrain and Oman.
“With this latest announcement by the Swiss government,
added to the existing pent-up demand, we are expecting exceptionally heavy
demand from the GCC countries. Graubundenhas to be nature’s
remedy for a post-Covid holiday,” she
added.
The Graubunden region is world-renowned for its natural
spas,spectacular landscape, bright green valleys, snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear
Alpine lakes, train rides through mountains in the Rhine gorge, hailed as among
the most spectacular train journeys in the world. In addition, there’s exquisite
Michelin star gastronomy, it is also possible to visit four different countries
in one day – Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria,or Italy.
The locals if asked,will say the region is so special
because of its wild, natural beauty coupled with the finer things in life,
obviously referring to its luxury hotels, shopping, and excellent restaurants.
“Besides the breath-taking scenery, there’s so much to
keep the whole family entertained. Between Lenzerheide and Chur,there’sa toboggan
run which is over three kilometres long, Switzerland’s longest and for children
who love stories, the small town of Maienfeld is where the classic children’s
novel Heidi was set.
“Moreover, many people will have heard about the glamourous
resorts such as St. Moritz and Davos, but there are many other destinations worth
exploring such as Vals, home to thermal baths that are built from 300
million-year-old stone and the countryside around Flims and Laax which is
famous for its crystal-clear lakes,” added Loeffel.
Underscoring the demand for outdoor leisure pursuits,
according to Outdooractive, a platform that connects a global outdoor community
of over nine million enthusiasts, commented in September last year that outdoor
activities were becoming increasingly popular because outdoor spaces naturally
accommodate social distancing, which had ultimately led to 70% of nature
trails, lakes, national parks, cycle paths and mountain passes reopening around
the world.
Travelling to Graubundenfrom the GCC is also very
easy, between them, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad fly 38 times per week to
Zurich or Milan and there are excellent transport links via road or rail from
Geneva and Munichas well.
The Graubunden region is also very familiar with
Middle Eastern culture and most restaurants offer halal menu options and many
hotels will also have Arabic speaking staff.
For more information,
please log ontohttps://www.visitgraubunden.com/en-ar/.
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