October 16, 2017 TnH Global

Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne celebrates first anniversary

GCC visitors account for 15% occupancy as Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne celebrates first anniversary. While, Middle East arrivals in Switzerland up 4.1% for first seven months of 2017.

Despite only opening in the second half of 2016, the Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne has already witnessed 15.52% of room nights booked by guests from the GCC. The five-star Swiss luxury property, an integral part of the Bürgenstock Selection, reopened in style in 2016 after a $103 million extensive renovation, restoration and expansion.

Switzerland is a popular destination with GCC residents, borne out by the fact that there were 163,289 arrivals from Gulf countries from January to July this year, an increase of 4.1% on the previous year. Over the same period this year, there were 431,959 overnight stays, up 1.6% from 2016, with the average length of stay 2.6 days.

Alain Kropf, general manager of the hotel, said: “There are 11 daily flights alone from Dubai to Zurich. From Abu Dhabi there is five and 13 from Riyadh. So it comes as no surprise that Switzerland is a popular destination for Middle East travelers due to the ease of access. Many of our GCC guests commented that they were happy to swap the stifling heat and humidity for the picturesque Swiss countryside, fresh air and outdoor lifestyle.”

The allure for Middle East guests includes interconnecting rooms and suites with the option of a private kitchen where meals can be arranged. There are 30 Arabic television channels available in the rooms, while a halal menu is always on offer. The ladies’ only area at the Spa du Royal, and the flexibility to arrange hair styling appointments have also proven popular with visitors from the GCC.

Kropf added “The Middle East is obviously a very important market for us and we have made every effort to tailor our offering to the needs of guests from the region.” Located in the heart of the city of Lausanne and overlooking Lac Léman, the hotel features 196 rooms and suites spread across the historic building and the Garden Wing.

Situated on the banks of Lake Geneva, in the French-speaking region of Vaud, Switzerland, Lausanne is home to the International Olympic Committee headquarters, as well as the Olympic Museum and lakeshore Olympic Park. Away from the lake, the hilly old city has medieval, shop-lined streets and a 12th-century Gothic cathedral with an ornate facade. The 19th-century Palais de Rumine houses fine art and science museums.

Kropf added “Royal Savoy showcases a unique hospitality concept in the city of Lausanne. The understated luxury of the interior design, sleek facilities and exquisite amenities are complemented by a unique service philosophy that allows us to please the most discerning guests.

“After the success of the last 12 months, we are forecasting an increase in Middle East visitors for the 2017/18 season as the hotel’s reputation continues to build throughout the GCC region.”

The hotel is the second to open under the Bürgenstock Selection, a collection of luxurious hotels offering contemporary hospitality steeped in cultural heritage.