Switzerland Tourism Promotes Autumn and Winter Travel to Indian Market

Switzerland Tourism Promotes Autumn and Winter Travel to Indian Market

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 28, 2024

Switzerland Tourism is actively promoting the country as an all-year-round destination for Indian travelers, with a strong focus on autumn and winter seasons. Traditionally, Indian tourists have favored Switzerland during the summer months, but preferences are shifting as more visitors look for off-peak adventures and immersive cultural experiences.

At a recent press event in Mumbai, Martin Nydegger, CEO of Switzerland Tourism, along with Christian Schoch, Director for India, and Ritu Sharma, Deputy Director and Marketing Head, India, discussed this evolving trend. They highlighted how Indian travelers are becoming more adventurous and seeking out experiences beyond the usual summer trips.

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Indian tourists are increasingly traveling to Switzerland during the fall and early winter seasons. These visitors are not only looking for the scenic beauty of Switzerland’s changing autumn colors but are also keen to explore the country's winter attractions beyond skiing. Activities such as sledding, snow-shoeing, and visiting local Christmas markets are gaining popularity, especially among couples, solo travelers, and groups of friends.

In line with these trends, Switzerland Tourism has introduced its 'Travel Better' campaign, which emphasizes sustainable and high-quality travel experiences. The initiative encourages longer stays, local cultural immersion, and the use of the Swiss Travel System, promoting eco-friendly travel practices.

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With demand from Indian tourists continuing to rise, Switzerland expects a 50% increase in overnight stays by Indian visitors over the next five years. In 2023, Indian travelers accounted for over 600,000 overnight stays in Swiss hotels, and this figure is expected to surpass 900,000 by 2028. This growth is driven by an increase in direct flight connections and the growing preference of Indian tourists for luxury and adventure travel.

Nydegger noted that the objective is to spread visitor traffic more evenly throughout the year. "Our hotels are open 12 months a year, but occupancy fluctuates greatly depending on the season. We want to reduce the pressure during high-occupancy months and encourage travel during quieter times," he said.

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Switzerland's goal is to promote a more sustainable tourism model that balances the interests of tourists and local communities. Unlike other European countries struggling with "overtourism," Switzerland is taking proactive measures to ensure tourism remains harmonious with local life.

The event also showcased Switzerland’s new attractions, focusing on cities like Zurich, Lucerne, and Interlaken, as ideal destinations during the autumn and winter months. Representatives discussed how these locations offer unique experiences in each season, making Switzerland a destination for all types of travelers.

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Christian Schoch added, “Switzerland is well-known as a summer destination for Indian tourists, but we believe it’s equally perfect for autumn and winter. We see great potential in these seasons, especially since large parts of India do not experience a traditional fall or winter."

With more Indian travelers seeking offbeat destinations and experiences, Switzerland’s focus on autumn and winter tourism aligns perfectly with the evolving profile of the Indian tourist.


FLY91 Adds Extra Pune-Goa Daily Flight to Meet Summer Travel Demand

FLY91 Adds Extra Pune-Goa Daily Flight to Meet Summer Travel Demand

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 19, 2026

FLY91 has announced an additional weekday daily flight between Pune and Goa for May 2026 to meet increased passenger demand during the summer holiday season. The temporary addition comes as travel activity continues to rise due to vacations, family trips and seasonal travel movement.

The airline already operates daily weekday services on the Pune-Goa route, while weekend operations currently run twice daily. The newly introduced weekday frequency is expected to provide travellers with more options and greater convenience during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

According to the airline, the decision was taken in response to increased movement from holidaymakers, students, families and business travellers. The Pune-Goa route has witnessed steady demand throughout the summer season, making it an important sector within the airline’s growing network.

By adding another service, FLY91 aims to improve schedule flexibility while increasing seat availability between the two destinations. The move is also expected to ease travel during the peak vacation period and support smoother passenger movement.

Pune continues to remain one of western India’s key educational and commercial centres, while Goa attracts a significant number of domestic travellers during the summer months. The additional service is expected to further strengthen connectivity between the two cities and support increasing regional travel demand.

FLY91 said the new flight also aligns with its broader objective of strengthening dependable and safe regional connectivity across underserved and high-demand sectors in India.

The airline currently operates flights across 12 destinations including Goa (GOX), Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Solapur, Jalgaon, Sindhudurg, Kochi, Agatti, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada and Hubballi.


IRCTC Launches Bharat Gaurav Nepal Yatra from Indore for Pashupatinath Pilgrimage

IRCTC Launches Bharat Gaurav Nepal Yatra from Indore for Pashupatinath Pilgrimage

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 17, 2026

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced a special religious journey to Nepal under its Bharat Gaurav scheme, giving travellers and pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh and nearby regions an opportunity to explore important spiritual and tourist destinations in the neighbouring country.

The special 'Pashupatinath Nepal Darshan Yatra' will begin from Indore on June 12 aboard a Deluxe AC tourist train. According to IRCTC, this is the first Bharat Gaurav tourist train service designed for passengers travelling beyond India’s borders, making it a significant addition to its tourism offerings.

The journey will run for nine nights and 10 days, covering some of Nepal’s well-known religious and tourist attractions. The itinerary includes visits to Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan National Park, and Manakamana Temple. As part of the experience, travellers will also get access to a ropeway ride at Manakamana Temple and a Jeep Safari at Chitwan, arranged by IRCTC.

Passengers can board the train from multiple stations across Madhya Pradesh including Indore, Ujjain, Shujalpur, Sehore, Rani Kamalapati (Bhopal), Itarsi, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, and Satna.

Rahul Holkar, Executive Tourism (Indore), said: "Dining facilities will be available for passengers onboard, with two restaurant coaches arranged for this purpose."

He also shared that the train will have 14 coaches and offer three accommodation categories: First AC, Second AC, and Third AC. The package further includes five-night accommodation in three-star hotels, along with local sightseeing through AC buses.

IRCTC has introduced different fare structures based on the selected category. The package covers rail travel, hotel stays, meals onboard and during the journey, local transportation, sightseeing, travel insurance, tour escorts, security arrangements and housekeeping services.

Officials also clarified that the Nepal Darshan Yatra is a guided tourist journey and should be viewed as a specially curated travel experience rather than a regular international tour package. Bookings for the Bharat Gaurav Nepal Yatra can be made through IRCTC’s official website and authorised offices.


Air India Begins Twice Daily Flights to Ludhiana Halwara Airport

Air India Begins Twice Daily Flights to Ludhiana Halwara Airport

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 16, 2026

Air India has commenced commercial operations to Ludhiana’s newly operational Halwara airport, becoming the first airline to launch services at the airport. The new route strengthens connectivity between Ludhiana and Delhi while also opening access to Air India’s wider international network.

The inaugural flight from Delhi landed at Halwara airport at 0703 Hrs, while the return service departed from Ludhiana at 0800 Hrs. Air India will now operate two daily flights on the Delhi–Ludhiana route using its A320 family aircraft.

The newly launched services have been scheduled to provide passengers with smoother onward connections through Delhi to Air India’s international destinations. Travellers flying from Ludhiana can conveniently connect to cities including London, Paris, Milan, Rome, and Birmingham through a single ticket and a unified baggage allowance system with through check-in facilities.

Passengers will also benefit from same-terminal transfers at Delhi airport, allowing easier movement between domestic and international flights.

The flight schedule for the Delhi–Ludhiana route includes:

  • AI481: Delhi to Ludhiana (Halwara) – Departure: 05:55 | Arrival: 07:05 | Daily
  • AI482: Ludhiana (Halwara) to Delhi – Departure: 07:55 | Arrival: 09:10 | Daily
  • AI483: Delhi to Ludhiana (Halwara) – Departure: 12:55 | Arrival: 14:10 | Daily
  • AI484: Ludhiana (Halwara) to Delhi – Departure: 14:40 | Arrival: 15:55 | Daily

With the launch of operations at Halwara airport, Air India continues to expand its domestic network while strengthening connectivity between regional cities and international destinations.

Bookings for Air India’s Ludhiana flights are now open across all channels, including the airline’s website, mobile app, and travel partners worldwide.

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