Switzerland consistently ranks as the number one dream European destination for travelers from India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. With over 850,000 Indian visitors alone in 2025, the demand is enormous and growing. Yet many travel agents struggle to package Switzerland profitably because of its reputation as expensive. This guide shows you exactly how to build and sell Switzerland packages that deliver value while maintaining healthy margins.
Why Switzerland Sells Itself
No destination in Europe has the instant recognition that Switzerland commands. When clients think Europe, they picture snow-capped Alps, pristine lakes, chocolate shops, and scenic train rides. Every Bollywood fan has seen Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge's iconic Swiss meadow scene. This pre-existing desire means your job is not to convince clients to visit Switzerland but rather to convert their dream into a booking.
Key Statistics for 2026
- Switzerland Tourism projects 12% growth in Asian visitors for 2026
- Average spend per tourist: CHF 280/day (approximately SGD 420)
- Peak season: June to September and December to February (ski season)
- Shoulder season opportunity: April-May and October offer 20-30% lower hotel rates
Must-Include Destinations in Every Switzerland Package
Zurich: The Gateway City
Most international flights land in Zurich, making it the natural start and end point. While clients may want to rush to the mountains, Zurich deserves at least one night.
- Old Town (Altstadt) - Cobblestone streets, Bahnhofstrasse shopping boulevard, Lindenhof viewpoint
- Lake Zurich boat cruise - Relaxing way to recover from jet lag on arrival day
- Rhine Falls day trip - Europe's largest waterfall, 40 minutes from Zurich. Excellent half-day excursion
- Zurich West - Trendy converted industrial district with restaurants and street art
Agent Tip: Book airport hotels in Zurich for arrival night (cheaper than city center) and move to a city hotel for the second night when clients are refreshed and can explore.
Lucerne: The Jewel of Central Switzerland
Lucerne is non-negotiable in any Switzerland itinerary. The combination of Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, and the lake surrounded by mountains creates the postcard Switzerland that clients expect.
- Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrucke) - Europe's oldest covered wooden bridge, free to walk
- Mount Pilatus - Golden Round Trip combining boat, cogwheel train, and cable car. One of Switzerland's best day experiences
- Mount Rigi - "Queen of the Mountains" with panoramic lake and Alps views, less crowded than Pilatus
- Lake Lucerne cruise - Historic paddle steamers offer stunning mountain scenery
- Swiss Transport Museum - Excellent for families with children
Interlaken & Jungfraujoch: The Crown Jewel
Interlaken is where Switzerland reaches its most dramatic. Situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz with the Jungfrau massif towering above, this is the epicenter of Swiss Alps tourism.
- Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe - At 3,454m, this is the highest railway station in Europe. The Sphinx observation deck, Ice Palace, and Aletsch Glacier views make it the single most important excursion in any Switzerland package
- Harder Kulm - Funicular ride to a panoramic platform overlooking both lakes and the Eiger, Monch, Jungfrau trio. Perfect for sunset
- Grindelwald First - First Cliff Walk, First Flyer zip line, and mountain cart for adventure seekers
- Paragliding over Interlaken - Premium upsell opportunity. Tandem flights from CHF 170
- Schilthorn/Piz Gloria - James Bond filming location with revolving restaurant. Budget alternative to Jungfraujoch
Critical Agent Tip: Always book Jungfraujoch tickets in advance during peak season. Same-day tickets may be unavailable. The Swiss Travel Pass gives 25% discount on Jungfraujoch railway.
Geneva & Montreux: French Switzerland
The western, French-speaking part of Switzerland offers a completely different character. Include this for clients wanting variety or those arriving/departing via Geneva airport.
- Jet d'Eau fountain - Geneva's iconic 140m water jet on Lake Geneva
- Chillon Castle - Medieval castle on Lake Geneva shore near Montreux. Switzerland's most visited historic building
- Lavaux Vineyards - UNESCO-listed terraced vineyards overlooking Lake Geneva. Wine tasting tours available
- Montreux Riviera - Elegant lakeside promenade with Alpine backdrop
Zermatt & Matterhorn: For Premium Packages
The Matterhorn is one of the world's most recognized mountain peaks. Zermatt, the car-free village at its base, represents premium Switzerland.
- Gornergrat Railway - Scenic cogwheel train to 3,089m with Matterhorn and glacier panorama
- Matterhorn Glacier Paradise - Europe's highest cable car station at 3,883m
- Glacier Express connection - The scenic train route from Zermatt to St. Moritz crosses 291 bridges and 91 tunnels
The Swiss Travel Pass: Your Secret Weapon
The Swiss Travel Pass is the single most important tool for packaging Switzerland affordably. Here is what agents need to know:
- Consecutive Pass: 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days of unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats
- Flex Pass: Choose any 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days within a month
- What is included: All public transport, scenic trains (Glacier Express, Bernina Express routes), lake boats, city trams/buses, 500+ museums
- Mountain discounts: 25-50% off mountain excursions including Jungfraujoch, Pilatus, Schilthorn
- Children: Under 16 travel free with a parent holding a Swiss Travel Pass (Swiss Family Card, free)
Pricing Example: A 4-day consecutive Swiss Travel Pass costs approximately CHF 267 (2nd class) per adult. Without it, just the Zurich-Interlaken-Lucerne-Zurich train tickets would cost CHF 200+. Factor in free museum entries and mountain discounts, and the pass pays for itself within 2 days.
Sample Itineraries for Different Client Types
6-Night Classic Switzerland (Most Popular)
Day 1: Arrive Zurich, Old Town walk, Lake Zurich evening cruise
Day 2: Rhine Falls morning, train to Lucerne, Chapel Bridge & Lion Monument
Day 3: Mount Pilatus Golden Round Trip (full day)
Day 4: Train to Interlaken, afternoon at Harder Kulm for sunset
Day 5: Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe (full day, book early departure)
Day 6: Grindelwald First or leisure day, evening train to Zurich
Day 7: Departure from Zurich
9-Night Grand Switzerland (Premium)
Days 1-2: Zurich (Rhine Falls + city)
Days 3-4: Lucerne (Pilatus + Rigi)
Days 5-6: Interlaken (Jungfraujoch + adventure activities)
Day 7: Scenic train to Zermatt
Day 8: Zermatt (Gornergrat + Matterhorn views)
Day 9: Train to Geneva via Montreux, Chillon Castle
Day 10: Departure from Geneva
4-Night Budget Switzerland (Value)
Day 1: Arrive Zurich, overnight Zurich
Day 2: Train to Lucerne, Chapel Bridge, Lake cruise, overnight Lucerne
Day 3: Train to Interlaken, Harder Kulm (free with Swiss Pass), overnight Interlaken
Day 4: Jungfraujoch day trip, evening train to Zurich
Day 5: Departure
Schengen Visa Tips for Your Clients
- Switzerland is part of Schengen but NOT the EU - same visa, different customs rules
- Indian nationals: Apply at VFS Global for Swiss embassy. Processing takes 10-15 working days
- Required documents: Confirmed hotel bookings, travel insurance (minimum EUR 30,000 coverage), flight tickets, bank statements (6 months)
- Multi-country trips: Apply to the country where you spend the most nights. If equal, apply to the country of first entry
- Swiss travel insurance requirement is strictly enforced - ensure clients have valid coverage
Seasonal Pricing Guide
- Peak Summer (Jun-Aug): Highest demand, book 3-4 months ahead. 4-star hotels SGD 200-350/night
- Shoulder (Apr-May, Sep-Oct): Best value. Same weather quality in Sep, 20-30% cheaper. 4-star hotels SGD 150-250/night
- Winter Ski (Dec-Feb): Ski resorts peak pricing but city hotels are affordable. Mixed package opportunity
- Off-Peak (Nov, Mar): Lowest rates but some mountain excursions may be closed. Good for budget city-focused trips
Start Selling Switzerland Packages Today
DMC Quote's B2B platform gives you access to wholesale Swiss hotel rates, pre-built itinerary templates, and real-time transfer pricing. Build professional Switzerland quotes in minutes, not hours.
Register as a travel agent and access our complete European destination inventory with competitive B2B rates.
