LUXURIOUS SWISS EXPERIENCES ON A BUDGET

In a bid to attract Indian tourists travelling to Switzerland, Swiss Youth Hostels have recently ventured into the Indian market by appointing Maison de Voyage (MDV) as their distribution partner in India. For over 80 years Swiss Youth Hostels has offered individual travellers, families and groups basic to high end accommodation at an affordable price. Faisal Siddiqui, Director, Maison de Voyage believes hostel accommodation is a whole new idea and has a definite future for Indian travelers, “Today, the concept of hostels is unexplored by our travelers as we still look at hostels as dormitories, however we have not realised over time that their facilities are equal to those offered at a hotel. The range extends from castle hotels, to extravagant villas, to the ideally located Youth Palaces,” he said adding that with a total of 54 homes and unconventional settings such as castles, former factory buildings and historic villas, there are three different categories to chose from – Simple, Classic and Top to meet the varying needs for comfort of the guests. Commenting on his plans for India Siddiqui shared, “During the next few months, we aim to educate our travel partners about hostel accommodation who therein can offer their clients this option of travel. We look at targeting young individuals and groups who will be open to trying an unexplored way to travel and experience a different holiday.” He further added that Swiss Youth Hostels give travellers the opportunity to visit a new country and use the money they save on accommodation in experiencing the culture and sight the country has to offer. Along with this, the traveller will have a sense of excitement and accomplishment at having done something unique. Beatrice Dolder, Director – Business Development, Maison de Voyage said “All the properties of Swiss You Hostels are certified by Hostelling International Quality System HI-Q which enables youth hostels to offer consistently high standards which can be improved on an ongoing basis so as to provide guests with the most enjoyable stay possible.” Some of the Swiss Youth Hostel properties are Grindelwald, Gersau, Interlaken, Seelisberg, Lugano, Solothurn, St. Moritz.