Business Lifestyle Switzerland Tourism | IHG Geneve | Business Enquirer

Adding Up The Numbers In Switzerland

PROJECT DIRECTED BY

WRITTEN BY

Jamie Waite

Laura Watling

Switzerland

Panoramic view of Berne, Switzerland

Adding F Up The Numbers in Switzerland

ound landlocked by France, Germany, Austria, Italy and Liechtenstein, Switzerland is popular with tourists thanks to its diverse landscape and wealth of available activities.

Tourism started in Switzerland in the early 1800’s, with British mountaineers crossing over to the European mainland for the Bernese Alps.

The Alps cover 60% of Switzerland’s total area, with skiing and hiking being two of the most commonly sought attractions.

Switzerland knows how to clock up the numbers. It boasts 208 mountains and 7000 lakes across its 26 cantons, which you can access via the 57km long Gotthard Tunnel. If you have time, you could learn one of the four official languages spoken (German, French, Italian and Romansh) before you visit.

Switzerland certainly offers something for everyone.

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In 2018, prior to travel restrictions, tourism contributed 2.9% to Swiss GDP, with 11.7 million tourists recorded that year. The industry in 2018 employed 181,700 people (full time equivalents), with industry growth reaching a record high since 2013.

To boost tourism post-pandemic, in September 2021 the Swiss government pledged CHF 60 million to support the sector in its recovery. As part of the country’s tourism strategy, past Swiss President and now Federal Councillor, Guy Par-

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Switzerland

Travel & Lifestyle

melin, referred to a plan to re-launch business travel and urban tourism in Switzerland.

Mr Parmelin highlighted it was important that the investment focussed on innovative projects promoting sustainable tourism, rather than attracting large groups of travellers visiting for a short period.

“We want to make Switzerland a leader in sustainable tourism,” he said.

Guy Parmelin, Federal Councillor

Photo: Stefano Spinelli

The lay of the land

We want to make “Switzerland a leader in sustainable tourism.

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The investment, equivalent to $60.41 million, is set to roll out between 2022-2026. Mr Parmelin also referred to a plan to relaunch business travel in Switzerland.

Famously neutral, Switzerland is, in fact, the oldest neutral nation in the world, having this title sealed at the Congress of Vienna in 1815. Not only is it neutral to global conflicts, it’s neither a member of the EU or the EEA. Not only is Switzerland the oldest neutral nation in the world, it’s also one of the oldest countries, with the Swiss Confederation dating back to 1291.

Reflecting its diverse geography, Switzerland has a varying weather system. The climate is generally temperate, but features glacial conditions on the mountain tops, juxtaposed with warmer weather in the southern region near the Mediterranean.

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Travel & Lifestyle

Switzerland The Pursuit of Happiness Synonymous with Switzerland is, of course, its various, climbable mountains. Tourists have the opportunity to climb to the highest peaks of mountains such as Zumsteinspitze, Dufourspitze and Dent Blanche. Panoramic views are available from the heights of Neiderhorne or take a chairlift to the Sareis mountain ridge.

From the mountains you’ll find a series of scenic hikes. Switzerland boasts over 65,000 kilometres of waymarked trails. Whether you’re looking to photograph Switzerland’s alpine meadows, explore forests, or discover one of its 22,000 municipalities there’s a hike suitable for near novices through to those with holey boots.

If you don’t fancy going uphill, of course the many ranges offer a wealth of winter sports. There are more than 200 ski regions in the country offering wide pistes, steep gullies, and huge halfpipes for those looking to strap on their skis or snowboard.

If you’re tired just by reading about all the adventures available Switzerland, it also has a more relaxing offering. When visiting the country, opt to stay in one of its eight certified Wellness destinations. Visit the historic hot springs of Leukerbad or delight all your senses in Charmey, which entwines Alpine meadows, enchanting lakes, snowy slopes, and thermal baths. Shopping paradise fused with a wellness philosophy can be found in the cultural spa town of Baden or cycle through picturesque Bad Zurzach and relax in one of the many spa resorts.

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Location, Location, Location

Somewhere to rest your head

If you want a quick getaway, Switzerland is also popular for its variety of city break locations.

There’s a lot to experience in Switzerland so you’ll need a few days and somewhere to rest.

The most obvious choice for a city break is Zurich, the centre of Switzerland’s economic life and education. Here, you will be able to enjoy Switzerland’s many delicacies, like Züri Gschnätzlets and, of course, Emmental cheese.

As expected, there are lots of places to stay to suit your location, style and appetite. Choose from traditional hotels nestled in the alps, like Hotel Alpenblick in Zermatt serving farmhouse fare or 16th Century Chateau Salavaux.

Zurich offers a hubbub of rustic pubs, street food festivals, and pop-up restaurants. The city has one of the highest numbers of Michelin star restaurants in the world.

If you want to relax in style, head over to InterContinental Genevè. Adored by Presidents, this IHG hotel is a unique place to stay offering art, 5* views and one-of-a-kind experiences.

Switzerland also has a lot of Old Town offerings to explore, with Zurich being one of them. Nestled within a Medieval backdrop of narrow lanes, Renaissance period halls and landmarks like Peterskirche (Peter’s Church, featuring Europe’s largest clock face), you’ll also find the highest concentration of clubs in Switzerland, and the world-famous shopping mile.

Read on to find out more about the InterContinental Genève.

A culinary delight If food or wine tourism sounds like your dream, Switzerland has something to offer in every canton.

Wherever you venture in Switzerland, you will find an offering of fresh produce. The country is known for emmental cheese and fine chocolate, but you can also discover Biber (a traditional gingerbread with honey and nuts) in Appenzell along with traditional herbal digestive liqueur, Appenzeller Alpenbitter.

If you are the mountaineering type, of course you will find plenty of traditional Swiss inns along your way, offering respite and panoramic views.

If you consider yourself a wine connoisseur, there is plenty to offer in wine tourism, too. Book yourself on to a wine tour in Valtellina, wine and bike around Salgesch, or even enjoy a wine safari in Stansstad.

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PROJECT DIRECTED BY

WRITTEN BY

Jamie Waite

Laura Watling

IHG Geneva

Grand Salon in The Residence

IHG Geneva’s Les Nations Bar

Leadership in Action Famed for being the hotel of choice for diplomats and celebrities alike, the InterContinental Geneve is internationally renowned. Business Enquirer sits down with experienced hotelier and InterContinental Genève’s General Manager, Hans Heijligers, to discuss how “ultra-luxury” is changing.

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pening in 1964, InterContinental Genève was the second hotel of the InterContinental brand to launch worldwide. Now, InterContinental is the largest luxury hotel brand in the world, making up one of 17 brands under the IHG umbrella, including Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Hualuxe.

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Found in the heart of Geneva, the InterContinental is just 500 metres away from Palais Des Nations, the UN offices. The hotel has established itself as the perfect hub for diplomats to meet, work and rest.

“One of our USPs is our meeting spaces,” shared hotel General Manager, Mr Heijligers, “they have great capacity, are flexible, and offer lots of natural light”.

The hotel is a one-of-a-kind experience, designed by International Design Hall of Fame member, Tony Chi. As well as plenty to look at inside the hotel, the InterContinental Genève offers spectacular views of the city, its lakes and mountain ranges.

The most unique feature of the hotel is its penthouse, The Residence. “The Residence offers an ultra-luxury experience,” said Mr Heijligers, “it was designed to entertain Heads of State, and features two kitchens, a bar and two hammams”.

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Travel & Lifestyle

Sharing a floor with The Residence are eight further rooms which can be connected, meaning the entire 18th floor can be exclusively rented.

Previous guests have used these to house staff or whole families.

Further to these rooms, the InterContinental Genève offers many suites which can be connected, allowing up to 17 guests of the same party on one floor.

Ultra-Luxury “It’s important for us that our guest’s experience starts from the minute they land on the tarmac at the airport,” explained Mr Heijligers.

This experience includes (for those staying in The Residence) a limousine on arrival, private elevators, a welcome team, and private shopping experiences. “We can even arrange for the boutiques to come to you,” said the General Manager.

Everything at the hotel is well thought out and deliberate, even down to the cobblestone drive.

“When you experience being driven over tarmac then to cobblestones, there is a cosiness, a feeling of homecoming - this is what we want our guests to feel on arrival,” explained Mr Heijligers.

Keeping up with the clientele One of the challenges for all hotels offering a super luxury experience to guests is what luxury looks like in the 2020s. “When this hotel was established, luxury was having bigger rooms, bigger beds, the best TVs and luxury bathrooms. These things are all now easily attainable for our clientele at home,” said Mr Heijligers, “so our challenge is to understand what offers our guest luxury, and to constantly move with the changes”.

Mr Heijligers has identified that for the clientele of the InterContinental, ultra-luxury is found in the experience offered, rather than the product itself. Ultimately, this comes down to the hotel’s employees.

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The presidential suite at The Residence features an iconic view of Lake Geneva

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Travel & Lifestyle A glimpse into the bathroom of The Residence’s presidential suite

IHG Geneva An art form “I think it can go unnoticed, but, in my opinion, being a good hotelier is an art form,” shared Mr Heijligers, “it’s a talent to be able to get a quick understanding of your customer’s profile, their wants a needs and then finding a way to fulfil that”.

Mr Heijligers explained that when it comes to recruitment at the hotel it’s largely based on personality fit. “Trade skills can be taught, but you can’t teach someone to have the right attitude towards customer service,” he said.

The General Manager also highlighted emotional intelligence, curiosity and a love for people as key traits he looks for in potential employees.

“I believe your business will be successful if you support your people in living out their aspirations,” he said.

a key role in developing and undertaking many strategies.

“As I’ve developed in the industry, I realise how important diversity is not only for our employees, but for our clientele and the hotel’s success,” said Mr Heijligers, “We made big investments into people and diversity during my time in Japan”.

IHG now has fantastic leadership and diversity programmes, which has ultimately led to six female General Managers in Japan.

During Mr Heijligers time in Japan, IHG implemented a clear growth strategy for inbound travel, “I saw irreversible change whilst I was there,” he shared.

After 7 years in Japan, returning to Europe has been a welcomed change.

A distinguished gentleman When it comes to hotel experience, Mr Heijligers has an unrivalled CV. Having started his career in his home of Amsterdam in the Amstel Hotel (now, by chance, an InterContinental), Mr Heijligers started travelling for work in 1985, taking him to hotels in 12 different countries. Most of his experience was in Africa and Asia, but all of which were in luxury hotels.

As well as being hands on in Front of House GM roles, Mr Heijligers has also taken on corporate hotelier roles in Jumeirah and Singapore.

Mr Heijligers joined InterContinental in 2014 in Japan as a Regional Manager, progressing on to become the Head of InterContinental Japan. “It is one of the most exciting and thrilling roles I have ever had,” shared Mr Heijligers, “it was interesting, inspiring and rewarding”.

During his time in Japan, Mr Heijligers played

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Hans Heijligers, General Manager

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Travel & Lifestyle

Leadership style During his years in leadership, Mr Heijligers has gained an understanding of his own leadership style, expressing how it has continuously evolved.

“I think what is crucial is honesty, both with yourself and with others,” he said. “Firstly, it is the ability to be honest with yourself and being able to question yourself, that can be very difficult. Then, it is being honest with your colleagues. Sometimes they may not be right for the role or the environment - how can you support them to evolve into another position that is better suited?”.

It is clear, too, that Mr Heijligers believes respect for others is important for business. “Always prepare yourself. No one person is the same, and everyone deserves the respect to be treated as an individual,” he said.

Mr Heijligers also highlighted how over time he believes he has developed a more inclusive viewpoint, is less afraid of showing vulnerability, and thrives in watching others achieve their aspirations.

Contemporising history It is to state the obvious that the travel and tourism sector was grossly affected by the pandemic. Mr Heijligers described to his colleagues that returning to work would be like “getting back into the gym”.

The pandemic forced IHG to become innovative and creative, something which Mr Heijligers anticipates will be needed in the hotel’s development in the next 3-5 years.

“InterContinental Genève has a fantastic history.

Our next step is to explore how we take this amazing history into the future, creating a new, contemporary version of this wonderful hotel”. www.ihg.com

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Travel Blog

Switzerland

Why the InterContinental Genève is the hotel of choice for business travellers Tried & tested by our Creative Director Jamie Waite and wife Bethany Waite.

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ot many people can say they’ve shared a bed with a president. Ok, I didn’t quite share a bed with President Joe Biden, but he was the last person to spend a night in InterContinental Genève’s penthouse suite The Residence, before I had the pleasure to.

After my time at the hotel, I can truly say there is no better place for business travellers to stay whilst in Switzerland. Here’s why:

InterContinental Genève’s The Residence is the best suite on the market Before I even go on to describing the hotel and its penthouse, the roster of guests tells a story in itself. Previous guests of the hotel include US Presidents such as George W. Bush, Bill and Hilary Clinton and, as mentioned, Joe Biden. Celebrities and sportspeople alike have also visited, such as Sofia Loren and Roger Federer.

Situated just 500 metres from the UN HQ, the hotel has also played host to crucial political meetings, such as then Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and then US President Jimmy Carter discussing the Arab–Israeli conflict, as well as a summit meeting between Presidents Mikhail Gorbachev and Ronald Reagan.

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Tony Chi, member of Interior Design’s Hall of Fame, redesigned the hotel and The Residence in 2005, with elegance and opulence.

The Residence is described by InterContinental Genève as the epitome of excellence and it truly is. The luxurious suite, designed to reflect the elegance of palaces of the past, has two of almost everything. Two master bedrooms, two open-plan living spaces, two dining rooms, two dressing rooms, 2 fully-equipped kitchens and even two Hammans!

The suite, with floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, also boasts a bar and fitness and relaxation facilities. I put both to good use - it’s called “balance”!

The Residence certainly earns its eye-watering €20,000-per-night price tag.

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Travel Blog Get a 5* food experience at InterContinental Genève During my stay at the InterContinental Genève I was treated to an extravagant 5-course dinner.

Woods, the hotel’s restaurant offers food with local, natural ingredients, which is reflected in the decor too. Visual art has been provided by Korean artist Jae-Hyo Lee, such as an immense wall of foliage and a hemispherical table at the entrance.

The restaurant offers a seasonal menu designed in-house. During our tasting we tried the green asparagus and confit egg yolk with calf sweetbreads, followed by cream of pea soup with capers. I can honestly say I have never experienced a taste so extravagant.

I can honestly say I have never experienced a taste so extravagant.

Francois Eustache, Head Chef, IHG Geneva

area to enjoy a morning coffee catching up on emails. Into the evening you can also enjoy crafted cocktails to unwind.

The hotel boasts a walk-in pool, with a poolside restaurant. It turns out, the pool at the InterContinental Genève is the city’s largest 5* pool.

The hotel is soon to launch a new outdoor area, including pagodas, to enjoy the summer sun.

During my stay at the InterContinental Genève I experienced the hotel’s incredible Cigar Lounge.

An original concept by Tony Chi, the lounge offers a selection of the finest cigars from around the world. You really are spoilt for choice.

What I love about the InterContinental Genève’s cigar lounge is its location. Found on the top floor, it offers an amazing view of the hotel’s lobby.

What’s so special about the lobby? It’s here where the InterContinental Genève hosts its vast collection of artwork from internationally renowned artists. Throughout the hotel you’ll find artwork from the likes of Alessandro Twombly, Amanda Weill and Zed Taylor, to highlight just a few.

The enclosed lounge was ventilated in a way that it removed all surrounding smoke - it was fascinating to see it in action!

When I say it offers an experience for everyone I mean you can bring everyone too. Well, nearly!

Sharing a floor with The Residence are eight further rooms which can be connected, meaning the entire 18th floor can be exclusively rented.

The InterContinental Genève offers an in-house experience for everyone Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or a cigar aficionado (like me), you’ll find something to enjoy at the InterContinental Genève.

Le Fumoir, IHG Geneva

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The hotel’s courtyard is the perfect sun-trapped

Further to these rooms, the InterContinental Genève offers many suites which can be connected, allowing up to 17 guests of the same party on one floor.

So, whether you want to invite your whole family or bring along your team, there’s certainly capacity to do so.

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Travel Blog Receive impeccable service at the InterContinental Genève I experienced the best of the best whilst at the InterContinental Genève, and the service from the staff didn’t disappoint.

Matching the grandeur of the suite, The Residence includes a personal concierge and chauffeur - treatment certainly fit for a President.

During our time in the restaurant, even the newest of staff could reel off knowledge of the menu’s ingredients and story.

The service from the staff reflects the rigorous training the hotel must put employees through, and ultimately the ultra-premium service they wish to provide to its patrons.

I’d like to give a special mention to Lauren, Elena and Alexandra who all served me during my stay, offering top class service.

Switzerland A hotel in the heart of Geneva In terms of location, business travellers can’t ask for more.

As mentioned, the InterContinental Genève is located within walking distance of the Palais Des Nations. From a travel perspective, it is just a short distance from Geneva Airport and you’ll also receive a complimentary public transport travel card during your stay.

Walking distance from the hotel you can also discover the Ariana Museum, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum or the Geneva Botanical Garden.

If that feels a bit heavy after a day of work, you can relax on a boat trip along Lake Geneva.

If you’re travelling to Geneva, in my opinion there is no better place to stay. It offers superb access to the local amenities, you couldn’t ask for more if you want to wine and dine, and patrons are treated like royalty.

I’d like to share my huge thanks to InterContinental Genève’s General Manager, Hans Heijligers. He spent time with me discussing everything the hotel has to offer, as well as his own career journey.

Find out more about InterContinental Genève and The Residence here.

All of the staff provide impeccable service

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The hotel boasts an enviable location in central Geneva

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InterContinental Genève 7-9 Chemin Du Petit-Saconnex, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland +41-22-9193939 www.ihg.com

Switzerland Tourism HQ Morgartenstrasse 5a Zurich, 8004, Switzerland 044 288 11 11 www.stnet.ch

info@busenq.com www.busenq.com