JEDDAH, 7 May 2006 — Swiss International Airlines is preparing for what promises to be its busiest summer to-date. The carrier will maintaining a 85-percent seat occupancy rate of outbound flights from the region during the traveling months of June and July, according to a high official at Swiss airlines.
Felix Rodel, area manager, Middle East and North Africa, said that with their recent integration in to the Lufthansa group and their membership to the Star Alliance, they now offer a comprehensive product for travelers moving in and out of the Middle East region.
Rodel was speaking to the media during a press conference that was held during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) exhibition, which concluded in Dubai on Friday.
Rodel said Gulf nationals traveling to Switzerland could make use of simple and convenient visa-application procedures through Swiss embassies and consulates, while GCC nationals holding a general EU visa can enter the country without applying for a visa. “Switzerland’s long-lasting friendly relationship with the member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) remain strong, with reciprocal visa status,” he said.
For 2006 summer schedule, he said that Swiss tour operators have lined up a number of packages, which include free bonus offers to various destinations.
“Switzerland has become such a prominent destination for holidays over the last few years, that Switzerland Tourism has put together a book highlighting areas to visit, where to go and what to do,” he said.
The Swiss network is not limited to travel to Switzerland, he said adding that the airline itself offers a comprehensive network of 71 destinations in 42 countries. In addition, the partnership with Lufthansa affords Swiss travelers the option of additional destinations across their 181-destination network, covering 76 countries.
“This is certainly going to be a busy summer for the Swiss team in Saudi Arabia, UAE and Sultanate of Oman,” Rodel added.
