Swiss Youth Hostel (SYH), in association with Switzerland Tourism, conducted a five day FAM to showcase the various accommodation options provided by SYH across the destination. Nikita Amburle of Maison De Voyage, GSAs for SYH in India, led the all-women delegation of eight travel agents, with an aim to showcase Swiss Youth Hostels as an accommodation option for families and FITs alike.
“Our observation is that women are now the decision makers in the house for holidays, no matter what role she plays in the family. Also, in the travel trade, she is the one pushing the product. And if she can be convinced to sell this product, not only to schools, but also for families, couples and small ad hoc groups, then the awareness of our product builds that much. Several agents are reluctant to sell SYH because of the words ‘youth’ and ‘hostel’. We wanted to showcase that it’s not just for youth and it’s not just hostels,” said Jenaifer Daruwalla, General Manager, Maison de Voyage.
According to Daruwalla, the perception among Indian travellers is that hostels are messy and untidy, and the company wanted to show them that it’s an economical way to go around and a very clean and safe accommodation option. Furthermore, SYH’s accommodations range from room with configurations for two to over 10 guests to a room, as well as hostels with conference areas, hostels located in old building, and even castles and chalets that have been converted into hostels.
In addition to highlighting the hostel rooms, the FAM also made an effort to show the delegation that there is a Switzerland beyond just the mountains. The group hence experienced working in a chocolate laboratory, jetboating, visiting a water park Splash which also provides a spa facility, a visit to the ice palace and a falconry, as well as enjoying the country’s night life. The FAM commenced at Interlaken and even went through the lesser known Bellinzona region which is famous for its castles.
