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Summer topics 2012


Source: Gstaad Saanenland Tourism

(Current situation: 7th March 2012) 

In addition to the tourist offers available in Gstaad in the summer of 2012, there are also a number of exceptional events and topics on the agenda. The key messages: with its slogan ‘Come up - slow down’, Gstaad is providing a very deliberate counterpoint to the trend of ‘achieving more in less time’. Despite a history of tourism dating back more than 100 years and its high prestige value, the region has retained its authentic Alpine character. Gstaad Saanenland Tourism warmly invites journalists to report on the holiday destination. 
The News list is continuously updated. 
(Direct link: www.gstaad.ch/en/page.cfm/Medien/HintergrundFactsheets) 

Topics of interest in 2012: 

T O U R I S M S E R V I C E S

"3 Generations" package New edition from 21.3. to 21.6. 
After the first edition in autumn, 13 hotels in the region of Gstaad will be offering the 3 Generations package again in the spring. The campaign will run from 21 March to 21 June 2012. The aim is to strengthen family ties, to put Gstaad on the map as a family-friendly destination and to brighten up the off season. Parents will pay 100 % of the hotel price, grandparents 50 % and children aged 16 and under can stay in their own room for free. 3 Generations guests will benefit from various discounts and from the 1st May on the GSTAAD easyaccess card will be included in the package. www.gstaad.ch/family

Two new routes for mountain bikers and better online service 
Two new signposted routes complement the existing, pleasure-oriented, comprehensive trail network for mountain bikers. The two new routes are more suitable for experienced mountain bikers due to the increased requirements relating to riding technique and physical fitness. All cycling routes in the destination of Gstaad are recorded in such a way that they can be viewed on a mobile device at any time. 

New focus on the high-end visitor segment 
Gstaad is considered a hotspot in the Swiss luxury hotel sector, with a fifth hotel soon to be certified as a 5-star establishment. Gstaad Saanenland Tourism will therefore now also focus on the high-end visitor segment in collaboration with the hotels. Attractive family, bike and individual offers remain a key component of our strategy. 

Gstaad is tapping into new markets Alpine authenticity in South America and Asia 
Gstaad will in future also commit itself in the markets of China, India and Brazil. The change in tourist flows and global economic development are the reason for this decision. 

Gstaad strengthens its positioning in social networks 
A more trendy corporate image, new contacts, continuously spoiling visitors with news about Gstaad - Gstaad Saanenland Tourism is improving its expertise in the field of social media and expanding its presence significantly. 

Green Gstaad Sustainable services 
Alpine authenticity and a proud heritage are key experiences on offer in the holiday region of Gstaad. In addition, there is a whole series of other interesting points on sustainable tourism. A new overview of sustainable services will be launched on the website. 

Gstaad is the new "team partner" of the Swiss football team, BSC Young Boys 
The holiday destination of Gstaad has been the new team partner of the Berner Sport Club Young Boys (YB) since February 2012. The contractually agreed cooperation should be brought to life for season ticket holders, visitors to the stadium and fans of the Young Boys by means of training camps in Gstaad, as well as through attractive and innovative campaigns. 

M O U N T A I N L I F T S 

Glacier 3000: new cooperation stimulates Asian operations 
In order to stimulate Asian operations, Glacier 3000 started cooperating with a number of partners at the end of January. This cooperation enables us to offer an attractive adventure programme for visitors from the Asian region. Among other stakeholders, the holiday region of Gstaad will also benefit from the added value created for tourism by this initiative. 

H O T E L S 

Wellness & Spa Hotel Ermitage: First season after full refurbishment 
The 5-star Wellness & Spa Hotel Ermitage, Schönried, is about to experience the first summer season after the full refurbishment costing CHF 40 million. In addition to a new restaurant concept, a wellness facility that is now twice as large as before and includes a "Lady Spa" and the new Swarovski Bar, in which 1 million crystals sparkle, guests can enjoy 28 new rooms and senior suites. The establishment is this year's official partner hotel of the Menuhin Festival Gstaad. 

The Alpina Gstaad – New 5-star hotel about to open 
The Alpina Gstaad is the first new 5-star hotel to be built in Gstaad in 100 years. It is scheduled to open in December 2012. In addition to the hotel with 57 rooms and suites, as well as 11 private apartments, the new construction project also includes a chalet with three private apartments and two further chalets. The total investment amounts to CHF 300 million. 

Hamilton Lodge: new hotel right next to the slope 
The holiday region will benefit in two ways from the new ‘Hamilton Lodge’ project. Firstly, the rustic, chalet-style 3-star hotel will replace the Mountain Hut Gobeli on Mt. Rinderberg in Zweisimmen (which is in need of renovation) and secondly, it addresses one of the destination’s main concerns: the creation of additional accommodation in the region that will not result in empty houses (holiday homes only used a few times a year). The hotel Hamilton Lodge will open in winter 2012/13. The new hotel also offers day trippers and winter sports enthusiasts an attractive opportunity to dine on the sun terrace right next to the slope. 

Des Alpes - new hotel in Saanenmöser 
Des Alpes, a new hotel in Saanenmöser, offers 11 comfortable and cosy guest rooms with a modern interpretation of chalet-style architecture. The establishment has an elegant lounge bar with an open fireplace, which is open to both locals and guests, as well as a breakfast room clad in beautiful old wood. Bruno Kernen, the host, already runs a successful hotel in Schönried.
 
E V E N T S 

Country Night Gstaad: Top acts will appear on stage earlier in the evening 
At the 24th Country Night Gstaad from 21-23 September 2012, both concerts (Friday and Saturday) will at the request of many festival-goers now start at the earlier time of 6 p.m. The headline act will therefore also perform at an earlier time. This year star guest is going to be Martina McBride. 

Alpine Cheese Championship and festival in the historic chalet village of Saanen 
The Alpine Cheese Championship on 15 and 16 September in Saanen presents a special opportunity to experience first-hand the Alpine authenticity of the region of Gstaad. Apart from cheese making and tasting, the event programme also includes a market and a quaint village festival. 

FROM THE VILLAGES 

Gsteig: 700 years of village history & 100 years of tourism 
Gsteig will celebrate a double anniversary in 2012: 700 years of village history & 100 years of tourism. To mark this special occasion, various activities – some of which are very traditional – will take place throughout the year for locals and visitors. The main celebration with lots of entertainment and music is scheduled for the weekend of 9 and 10 June. A ‘border tour’, a guided walk all around the local authority area, is also being organised. The celebrations will be supplemented by cultural activities in the form of exhibitions. 

Nature Culture Pilot project in Lauenen 
The holiday region of Gstaad is part of a new "Nature Culture" initiative of the Obersimmental - Saanenland Mountainous Region Association. Its task is to present exceptional outdoor experiences in this part of the Bernese Oberland. The pilot project, which involves describing the unique features of the area around Lake Lauenen in an appealing way, will be launched in the village of Lauenen on 2 June 2012. 

Note for the editorial teams 
The following person will be happy to answer any questions you may have: 
Kerstin Sonnekalb 
Public Relations Manager 
Gstaad Saanenland Tourism 
Promenade 41, CH-3780 Gstaad (Switzerland) 
Tel. +41 (0)33 748 81 20 / Fax +41 (0)33 748 81 83 
k.sonnekalb@gstaad.ch / www.gstaad.ch 

For more press releases and images of the holiday region of Gstaad, go to www.gstaad.ch, Category Press

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2011 Summer Topics



(Current situation: July 21, 2011)

In addition to the tourist offers available in Gstaad in the summer of 2011, there are also a number of exceptional events and topics on the agenda. The key messages: with its slogan ‘Come up - slow down’, Gstaad is providing a very deliberate counterpoint to the trend of ‘achieving more in less time’. Despite a history of tourism dating back more than 100 years and its high prestige value, the region has retained its authentic Alpine character. Gstaad Saanenland Tourism warmly invites journalists to report on the holiday destination. The News list is continuously updated. (Direct link: http://www.gstaad.ch/de/page.cfm/Medien/HintergrundFa ctsheets)

Topics of interest in 2011:

T O U R I S T I C O F F E R S

GSTAAD easyaccess card extends its service
The GSTAAD easyaccess card will for the first time also be valid on the Eggli und La Videmanette cable cars from May to the end of October 2011. The new La Videmanette, Rougemont cable car was constructed in 2010 and provides access to climbing and hiking experiences. The Eggli cable car in Gstaad will be in operation in summer again for the first time in years. Since extension of the service into the Pays d’Enhaut has been a success, visitors can once again explore the tourist attractions in the neighbouring region with the GSTAAD easyaccess card. Information is available at: http://www.gstaad.ch/de/page.cfm/Aktivitaeten/Sommer/Gstaadeasyaccesscard

Season warm-up for mountain biking enthusiasts
At the Gstaad ‘Saison warm-up’ for mountain bikers from 11 to 13 June 2011, participants will receive expert guidance from a Swiss Cycling guide, giving them the perfect preparation for a summer of cycling. The offer is suitable for amateurs or cyclists who are just getting back into the sport after a break. The attractive daily stages are between 20 and 40 km long and feature climbs ranging from 500 to 800 metres. Bikes are available for hire. All 11 certified Gstaad bike hotels offer this package. Bookings can be made directly with the bike hotel of your choice. Info is available at http://www.gstaad.ch/de/page.cfm/Aktivitaeten/Sommer/Biken/Mountainbike

Alpine cabin tour for gourmet bikers
A 5-day package deal from 11 to 15 July 2011 is the first one aimed directly at gourmet bikers visiting the holiday region of Gstaad. Alpine cabins in romantic surroundings spoil participants with regional specialities. A good level of general fitness is a precondition for entry. The programme includes daily rides under the expert guidance of a Swiss Cycling guide, three gourmet lunches, a social evening in the Alpine cabin, 5 nights in a double room with half board, 1 rest day and use of the mountain lifts. Bookings are accepted by all 11 certified Gstaad bike hotels. Info is available at http://www.gstaad.ch/de/page.cfm/Aktivitaeten/Sommer/Biken/Mountainbike

H O T E L S

Ermitage: new main building and the wellness facility will be twice as big
The 5-star hotel Ermitage Golf & Spa, Schönried, is closed until 21 December 2011 for an extensive CHF 40m renovation. The main building is being replaced and the owners Heiner Lutz and Laurenz Schmid are having a second chalet constructed on the former beach volleyball court. The wellness facility is being extended to almost double its current size. The dining room is being replaced with eight separate rooms with different furnishings.

4-star hotel Arc-en-ciel celebrates its 50th anniversary
The Gstaad Hotel Arc-en-ciel will celebrate its 50th anniversary in autumn 2011. The Arc-en-ciel is a family-friendly hotel and is situated right at the foot of Gstaad’s signature mountain, Mt. Eggli, opposite the valley station of the cable car there. Christiane Matti and her hotel staff are a dedicated team.

E V E N T S

Big beach party with a campsite and a cool atmosphere
The Beach Grand Slam 2011 has a number of changes in store: bookings are once again being taken for the Beach campsite, and various Beach packages incl. accommodation (tent or hotel) are available. Thanks to the new partnership with FLYER, a manufacturer of electric bicycles, spectators can ride back and forth on these bikes (which are designed to make pedalling much easier) between the centre court and the side courts. The aim of the organisers is to stage yet another cool event for young people in Gstaad.

Market enriches village life
Life in the village of Saanen gains new impetus. From 3 June to 14 October, a new weekly market will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Friday. There will be food for your daily needs at the market: meat, fish, bread, fruit, vegetables and delicious dairy products. A visit to the Museum der Landschaft Saanen (Saanen Heritage Museum) with the special exhibition ‘75 Jahre Funi’ (75 years of funicular railways) or to the Menuhin Center rounds off the excursion to the historically significant chalet village. When the ‘Sanona’ redevelopment project is finished, Saanen will present itself as an independent local attraction near Gstaad.

Zweisimmen celebrates the Middle Ages
To mark the reopening of the restored Mannenberg Castle, there will be a big Middle Ages festival in Zweisimmen on 2 July 2011 with a market, an army camp, street performers, arts and crafts, music, as well as food and drink of the era. With the parish, the Blankenburg Castle, the Mannenberg castle complex and the castle trail, Zweisimmen represents a stronghold, so to speak, for fans of the Middle Ages.

New „Dôme Walk“ on Glacier 3000
The new „Dôme Walk“ from the Scex Rouge mountain top station (2971 m high) to the Dôme at 3016 meters is pure enjoyment. This unique Glacier 3000 opportunity gives visitors a chance to experience walking up to a mountain peak, while staying on a safe and wide trail. The hike that goes through moraine terrain takes almost an hour and is rewarded at the end with breathtaking views onto the glacier and steep valleys below.

Note for the editorial teams
The following person will be happy to answer any questions you may have:
Kerstin Sonnekalb
Public Relations Manager
Gstaad Saanenland Tourism
Promenade 41, CH-3780 Gstaad
Tel. +41 33 748 81 20
Fax +41 33 748 81 83
k.sonnekalb@gstaad.ch
www.gstaad.ch

For more press releases and images of the holiday region of Gstaad, go to www.gstaad.ch, Press section