Switzerland prepares for tourist influx as Chinese "Golden Week" takes off

As China celebrates its national day on Thursday, millions are making the most of the week-long festivities to travel both within the country and to international destinations such as Switzerland, an increasingly popular choice among Chinese visitors.

"With its breath-taking nature, beautiful landscapes, lakes, mountains and fresh air, Switzerland represent an ideal vacation destination for many Chinese," Swiss Tourism spokesman Alain Suter told Xinhua.

Combined with the country's many lakes, mountains and cities and an efficiently interconnected transport system, Suter maintained that Switzerland has much to offer not only in terms of sightseeing but also shopping and its prime location in the heart of Europe.

"For many Chinese, Switzerland is a dream destination where you wish to travel once in a lifetime," he continued, with figures indicating that the number of overnight hotel stays registered by Chinese nationals has shown a constant and rapid growth in recent years, reaching 1,142,438 in 2014.

Latest statistics correlate this new trend, as a 32.8 percent rise in nocturnal stays was recorded between January and July in 2015 compared to the same period last year.

The growing influx of Chinese tourists will be particularly tangible in October in many of the confederation's tourist hotspots including Jungfrau, one of the country's most renowned summits, which offers exceptional views of the Swiss plateau.

"There will definitely be a high demand in the week of Oct. 1. The Jungfrau Railways expect about 1,000 Chinese guests per day which is approximately twice as much as usual," Jungfrau Railway CEO Kessler Urs anticipated.

Taking visitors to the Jungfraujoch, which is situated in an Alpine wonderland which can be admired from a number of vantage points, is the highest railway station in Europe located at 3,454 meters above sea level.

"The Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe is a meeting point of the world and one of the most famous touristic spots. It goes without saying that we are prepared for the number of additional guests who will visit the Jungfraujoch at the beginning of October. We are very happy to welcome all the Chinese guests at the 'Top of Europe'," Urs said.

Linked with its own Chinese "partner mountain" Mount Huangshan since 2002, Urs explained that Jungfray Railways have been targeting the Chinese tourist market since 1996.

This has led to a booming popularity among Chinese visitors seeking to explore one of Europe's most emblematic peaks, which has the added value of possessing the beautifully transliterated name Shao Nu Feng, "an additional help to successfully launch and position the brand Jungfrau - Top of Europe in China," according to Urs.

An estimated 150,000 Chinese visitors are expected at the summit this year while predictions show that the number will double over the next five to ten years.

As to the advice he would give to Chinese travellers who are lucky enough to visit the summit this week, Urs recommended to wear warm clothes and decent shoes in addition to sunglasses and sunscreen. Endit