The Swiss Deluxe Hotels Group – the 41 most exclusive luxury hotels in Switzerland – went to Shanghai to present themselves in the Chinese market. Swiss Deluxe Hotels met the most important local media and hosted a VIP golf tournament to promote Switzerland and the most luxurious 5-star properties in Switzerland. Switzerland is a very attractive destination for Chinese luxury travellers, and its position in the heart of Europe is a perfect starting point to explore Europe’s beautiful scenery and hot spots.
Chinese market continues to grow
The Chinese market showed significant growth in the last five years.
“For Swiss Deluxe Hotels, it is crucial to continue investing in the development of new markets. We have an excellent product that enjoys outstanding recognition around the world,” says Siro Barino, Managing Director of Swiss Deluxe Hotels. “Together with our partner MySwitzerland, we shall be promoting the exclusive and traditional values of the Swiss luxury hotel sector even more intensively, boosting trust in the safe travel destination that is Switzerland.”
What do Chinese travellers like in Switzerland?
The most important things are the beauty of the nature, clear air, mountains, snow and the various opportunities for medical treatments and shopping. The Swiss Deluxe Hotels are very well prepared to serve guests from China, taking care of their special needs, with Chinese staff members, Chinese cuisine, and staff education in the ways of Chinese culture and behaviour.
Switzerland is a perfect spot to stay and discover different destinations in Europe like London, Paris or Milan. For shopping-lovers, Switzerland is a retail paradise. In destinations like Zurich, Berne, Basel, Geneva, St Moritz or Gstaad, visitors will find some of the best shopping malls and boutiques featuring the world’s most famous brands.
After two extremely difficult years, Swiss Deluxe Hotels once again recorded an increase in the number of overnight stays in 2016. The number of overnight stays rose by around 2% last year. Consolidated sales throughout the entire group of 41 Swiss Deluxe Hotels – including all subsidiary establishments – came to around CHF 1.45 billion, which also represents slight growth of almost 2% compared with the previous year.
Investments in quality and catering
The 41 Swiss Deluxe Hotels once again invested around CHF 350-400 million in their infrastructure in 2016. The Kulm Hotel St. Moritz opened the new Kulm Country Club in time for the World Ski Championships and many of the 41 hotels have refurbished rooms, suites and F&B outlets.
The opening of new or redesigned restaurants at the Swiss Deluxe Hotels reflects a lively development not only of the hotel industry, but also of the diverse range of catering facilities. Examples here include the newly opened MiZUKi by Kakinuma at the Guarda Golf Hotel & Residences, the second “IGNIV by Andreas Caminada” restaurant at Badrutt’s Palace Hotel in St. Moritz and the “Widder Garage” that has been set up as a temporary bar due to the closure of the Widder Bar for refurbishment and has since advanced to become the most fashionable club in Zurich.
The best locations for playing golf
Playing golf is definitely another highlight when visiting Switzerland and the Swiss Deluxe Hotels. Guests will find some of the most spectacular golf courses in Europe right beside the Swiss Deluxe Hotels. Either in the Mediterranean ambience of southern Switzerland like Ascona, or at a City Resort like The Dolder Grand in Zurich or up in the mountains like St Moritz or in Crans-Montana, where even the Omega European Masters plays on one of the highest golf courses in Europe. The Guarda Golf Hotel & Residences in Crans-Montana is located just above the famous Jack Nicklaus golf course. The well-groomed track with a choice of different techniques, designed by golf Jack Nicklaus, was chosen as the most beautiful 9-hole golf course in Switzerland.