TTG Asia Luxury May 2018 | Page 56

focus Davos, Switzerland Gübelin offers visits to its headquarters, particularly the Gem Lab, the jewellery design centre and the atelier where it produces its jewellery. Groups for the 1.5-hour private tour are kept to a maximum of 10-12 persons. It can also organise a private cocktail in its Lucerne boutique for a maximum of 100 pax. Currently, it is working on a private presentation about gemstones in its Lucerne boutique, followed by a visit of the boutique. The three activities are available on request, with at least a month’s notice. Kuoni Global Travel Service (GTS), a leading provider of group travel and global MICE services for the Asian market, said it has seen a 50 per cent increase from Asia this year over 2017, a growth rate also seen in 2016 and one that is expected to continue year on year, according to Reto Kaufmann, vice president sales & sales operations South- east & South Asia. “In South-east Asia, Thailand is clearly leading the pack, thanks to Kuoni’s pioneer product, Royal Footsteps, which follows the beloved King (Bhumibol)’s legacy in Switzerland,” Kaufmann said. “The programme, done with the support of Switzerland Tourism, incorporates exclusive features to provide the traveller with a very authentic journey following their beloved King’s life in Switzerland.” Kuoni GTS is also introducing a new product for mini groups in Asia, offering them smaller vehicles to explore off- the-beaten tracks, and the flexibility to 50 TTG Asia luxury | May 2018 change routes on a daily basis, he said. The only issues that may derail the growth target, said Kaufmann, are hotel availability in key cities such as Lucerne and Interlaken, or the availability of products as Scenic Trains on a short notice, given the market’s short booking lead time. That said, Kuoni GTS is seeing success in encouraging organisers to move their groups into newer (to Asians) areas such as Graubunden, with world-famous Davos or St. Moritz as “a possible hub for incentive groups”. ILTM Asia-Pacific also sees players from other Swiss areas that are relatively new to Asians. One such example is Villa Castagnola, located in the heart of Lugano, the Italian- speaking part of the country. “The Asia-Pacific market is for us an emerging one. We have been investing in the Chinese market for the past three years and ILTM Asia-Pacific is our first step towards Asia-Pacific markets,” said Antonella Archidiacono, sales & marketing manager. “We are a property with 133 years of history, privately-owned and managed, young at heart. Villa Castagnola has everything you need: art, gastronomy, romance, well-being and most of all personal service,” said Archidiacono. While Switzerland has innate advantages – its small size makes it a compact destination with varied appeals while its superb infrastructure ensures that attractions are easily accessible – it does face competition for Asians, especially from destinations they now consider ‘exotic’. Breiter admitted as much. Lifetime trips such as the Antarctica, or African safaris, are making inroads into the Asian market, as well cruise lines, which have stepped up marketing efforts due to increased capacity, he noted. That’s why Switzerland Tourism is making a big show at ILTM Asia-Pacific, said Breiter. “Switzerland is synonymous with Swiss quality, breathtaking landscapes and world-class hospitality. As a leader in high-end travel, we need always to stay top of mind and showcase the wide- ranging luxury offers in our country.” “In South-east Asia, Thailand is clearly leading the pack, thanks to Kuoni’s pioneer product, Royal Footsteps, which follows the beloved King’s legacy in Switzerland.” Reto Kaufmann Vice president sales & sales operations South-east and South Asia, Kuoni Global Travel Service