Photo courtesy of Switzerland Tourism
Switzerland Tourism is holding its 18th Swiss Travel Mart in Zermatt this week, the first time the event has been held in a mountain destination and the first time the exhibition has been staged outdoors. Switzerland Tourism officials were on hand to brief the media on the country's tourism plans and provide a glimpse of the future.
Switzerland Tourism CEO Jurg Schmid also showcased 14 upcoming events and attractions, as well as transportation projects and resorts that are expected to have a major impact on the country's tourism in 2016 and 2017 by attracting more visitors from around the globe.
Ladies Ski World Cup: The Audi FIS Ski World Cup (Alpine Skiing Ladies) is set for Crans Montana in February
National Museum Expansion: The Swiss National Museum in Zurich, where the history and culture of the country is showcased, is completing an extension that should be finished by early 2016.
World Football Museum: The FIFA World Football Museum, complete with a series of interactive exhibitions, is set to open in Zurich, where FIFA is headquartered, in spring 2016.
Charlie Chaplin Museum: A new museum devoted to the life and career of film legend Charlie Chaplin is set to open in spring 2016 in Vevey, where the acting and directing great lived during his last years.
New Aquarium: The Aquatis, a fresh water aquarium and museum, is set to open in Lausanne in spring 2016.
Revamped Basel Art Museum: The Kunstmuseum Basel, with exhibitions focused on modern art, is set to reopen after an extensive renovation in spring 2016.
Longest Railway Tunnel: The world's longest railway tunnel, the Gotthard tunnel, will debut in June 2016. The tunnel is expected to dramatically alter transportation patterns for passengers and freight throughout the country.
50 Years of Jazz: The Montreaux Jazz Festival, famed venue for top acts and inspiring Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water" song, will celebrate 50 years in July 2016.
100 Years of Dada: The absurdist art movement Dada, which began in Zurich in 1916, will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in the city with exhibitions, events and special performances.
Contemporary Art Festival: The Manifesta, the European Biennial of Contemporary Art, will be held in Zurich in summer 2016.
Ski World Championships: This competition among the world's top skiers will take place in St. Moritz in February 2017.
Yodeling Festival: The Swiss Federal Yodeling Festival will take place in Brig in June 2017.
Alpine Games: The Unspunnen Festival, a competition of alpine games, including feats of strength, skill and endurance, will be staged in Interlaken in August-September 2017.
New Lake Resort: The Burgenstock Resort, a highly anticipated new luxury property, will open in the Lake Lucerne Region at the end of 2017.
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