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R.N.I. No. MAHENG/2007/22231 Reg. No. MCS/180/2019-21

VOL 18 | ISSUE 5 | PAGES 24 OCTOBER, 2024 PRICE: 40 www.travelbizmonitor.com 1
Schilthorn Cableway eyes growth in India with

world’s steepest cableway

Prasenjit Chakraborty | Mumbai that shows clips from different seasons, as we
experience various seasons here. Additionally, we
witzerland-based Schilthorn Cableway have a Walk of Fame where the stars from the film
SLtd, which operates Schilthorn Piz Gloria, have left their handprints. Not only that, but we also
is very optimistic about the Indian market, as have a viewing lounge at the summit,” he explained.
India is experiencing a rising middle class and He pointed out that Schilthorn Cableway is
an increase in disposable income. “India has the only company that takes tourists to the very
become a very important market for us,” said top of the mountain. “The summit building is
Alan Ramsay, Head of Markets at Schilthorn located at the peak itself, which is unusual. Most
Cableway Ltd, during a recent visit to Mumbai other cableways take tourists close to the top,
while speaking with TravelBiz Monitor. but not actually to the summit,” Ramsay noted.
Schilthorn Piz Gloria is a stunning mountain Reflecting on his own experiences, he
peak in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland, shared, “I visited the village of Mürren one winter Alan Ramsay
renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views season, and I ended up staying for 35 years.
and its iconic revolving restaurant. Located in Every time I take a cable car to the top, the view car ride will be free of charge with a Swiss
the Bernese Oberland, it stands approximately is always different and never looks the same. Travel Pass,” Ramsay revealed. Their Winter
2,970 meters (9,740 feet) above sea level. Notably, Standing on the peak with a 360-degree view is Sports event had already started on September
Piz Gloria is famously associated with James fantastic. I still love it.” 28 and will continue until April 2025. The entire
Bond due to its role as a filming location for the He mentioned that they are constructing a project is expected to be completed by 2026.
1969 movie “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” brand-new cable car that will connect the valley “Hopefully, we will open it on Swiss National
Visitors can reach the summit via a series of floor directly to Mürren, and from Mürren to Birg, Day, which falls on August 1,” he added.
cable cars from the valley station in Stechelberg. and finally to Schilthorn. “With this, there will Discussing their target audience in India,
“It takes 32 minutes to reach Schilthorn Piz be only two changes instead of three. There will he stated that they are focusing on people who
Gloria. On the way, tourists must change cable also be only three sections instead of four, which have already visited Switzerland, which means
cars at Gimmelwald, Mürren, Birg, and finally at will further reduce the time needed to reach they are aiming for repeat customers. “Our
Schilthorn. The 32 minutes includes the changes Schilthorn,” pointed out Ramsay. priority cities are Mumbai and Delhi to start with.
from one cable car to another,” said Ramsay. According to him, the cable car from However, travellers from Chennai, Hyderabad,
Ramsay also mentioned that at the top of Stechelberg (the valley floor) to Mürren will Kolkata, and Ahmedabad are also showing
the mountain, there is an interactive multimedia be the steepest in the world. “It will open on interest in our product,” said Ramsay.”
exhibition called Spy World. “We have a cinema December 14 of this year, and the steepest cable prasenjit.chakraborty@saffronsynergies.in

Iran Tourism debuts in India amid 39% hike in arrivals

Prasenjit Chakraborty | Mumbai Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, cent increase in Indian tourist
and Tourism Ministry. arrivals,” he revealed.
he Iran Tourism Board recently Speaking exclusively to Hosseinabadi mentioned that
Tmade its first foray in India with TravelBiz Monitor on the currently, pilgrimage and cultural
its roadshows in Mumbai, Delhi sidelines of the Mumbai tourism are the primary attractions
and Hyderabad which attracted a roadshow, Hosseinabadi for Indian visitors. However, he
healthy crowd. The main objective highlighted that this was stressed that Iran offers a wide range
was to enhance tourism relations their inaugural roadshow in of tourism experiences, including
between India and Iran. Mumbai. He noted the deep nature, adventure, historical, and
By interacting with Indian travel historical connection and mutual medical tourism etc. “Our goal is to
agents and tourism professionals, understanding between Iran and attract all types of travellers from
the board sought to forge strong India, emphasising that tourism India,” he said.
business ties and promote Iran serves as a means to further He also encouraged Indian
as a premier travel destination. enhance this relationship. tourists who have not yet visited
The delegation was headed by “Iran recently waived Iran to seek feedback from those
Aliasghar Shalbafian Hosseinabadi, Aliasghar Shalbafian Hosseinabadi visa requirements for Indian who have.
the Deputy of Tourism at the Iran travellers, leading to a 39 per Contd PG. 7