ADVERTISEMENT
Manila Bulletin devider Embassies at Work devider Switzerland tourism showcases 'Travel Better' in Manila

Switzerland tourism showcases 'Travel Better' in Manila

Published Oct 13, 2025 02:08 pm
Ambassador Nicolas Brühl leads the Switzerland Tourism team in a celebratory toast at the gala dinner.
Ambassador Nicolas Brühl leads the Switzerland Tourism team in a celebratory toast at the gala dinner.
The high-level delegation from Switzerland Tourism, led by CEO Martin Nydegger, recently visited Manila for a series of events aimed at strengthening ties with the Philippine travel industry and promoting Switzerland as a sustainable, year-round destination for Filipino travelers.
Joining Nydegger were Sara Roloff, CEO of Swiss Travel System; Adrien Genier, CEO of Geneva Tourism; Nadine Rieder, head of Markets at Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn; Anita Berardi, market manager SEA at Zürich Tourism; Anlee Do, general manager (Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Mekong region) for the Lufthansa Group – Swiss International Air Lines; and Batiste Pilet, Director SEA at Switzerland Tourism.
The visit marks a significant milestone for Switzerland Tourism, as it officially establishes its permanent presence in the Philippines, led by Market Representative Sofia Santelices. This move underscores Switzerland Tourism’s long-term commitment to the Philippine market, one of its most promising and fastest-growing in Southeast Asia.
Sofia Santelices leads an insightful panel discussion, featuring Martin Nydegger, Sara Roloff, and Adrien Genier, at the media launch of ‘Discover Autumn in Switzerland’.
Sofia Santelices leads an insightful panel discussion, featuring Martin Nydegger, Sara Roloff, and Adrien Genier, at the media launch of ‘Discover Autumn in Switzerland’.
At the press conference on October 1, 2025 held at the Admiral Hotel Manila, the delegation’s CEOs shared insights during a lively panel discussion on Switzerland Tourism’s global “Travel Better” strategy — an initiative that encourages year-round travel, sustainable (Swisstainable) tourism, and longer, more meaningful stays in Switzerland.
Martin Nydegger, CEO of Switzerland Tourism, highlighted the Philippines’ importance to Switzerland’s tourism landscape. “We see tremendous potential in the Philippine market. Filipinos have a deep curiosity and a love for travel — and Switzerland offers a place where families can slow down, connect, and experience unforgettable moments together,” he said.
Sara Roloff, CEO of Swiss Travel System, emphasized the ease and joy of exploring Switzerland through its world-class public transport network. “Switzerland’s trains, buses, and boats make traveling across the country both seamless and sustainable.”
Switzerland Tourism delegation strikes a pose for the media during the ‘Swiss Tourism Autumn’ launch
Switzerland Tourism delegation strikes a pose for the media during the ‘Swiss Tourism Autumn’ launch
Adrien Genier, CEO of Geneva Tourism, spotlighted Geneva’s rich cultural and historical offerings. “Geneva represents the very essence of Swiss excellence — from fine watchmaking and gourmet chocolates to its beautiful lakeside setting and international flair,” he shared, inviting more Filipinos to experience the city’s unique attractions.
The delegation’s visit included engagements with the local travel trade, business leaders, and media partners — fostering new collaborations and deeper connections between the Swiss and Philippine tourism sectors.
With its permanent presence in Manila, Switzerland Tourism aims to inspire more Filipinos to experience the country’s breathtaking landscapes, world-class hospitality, and authentic encounters — encouraging travelers to not just visit, but to truly “travel better”.
Manila Bulletin’s Badette M. Cunanan receives her raffle prize, presented by Anita Berardi, market manager SEA at Zürich Tourism, and Sofia Santelices, market representative for Switzerland Tourism
Manila Bulletin’s Badette M. Cunanan receives her raffle prize, presented by Anita Berardi, market manager SEA at Zürich Tourism, and Sofia Santelices, market representative for Switzerland Tourism
Ambassador Nicolas Brühl and wife, Dr. Denise Claudine Brühl Moser
Ambassador Nicolas Brühl and wife, Dr. Denise Claudine Brühl Moser
Sofia Santelices moderates the press conference alongside tourism leaders Anita Berardi, Nadine Rieder, and Anlee Do
Sofia Santelices moderates the press conference alongside tourism leaders Anita Berardi, Nadine Rieder, and Anlee Do
VIP reception at the gala dinner
VIP reception at the gala dinner
Ambassador Nicolas Brühl and Swiss business representatives
Ambassador Nicolas Brühl and Swiss business representatives
ADVERTISEMENT
.most-popular .layout-ratio{ padding-bottom: 79.13%; } @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px) { .widget-title { font-size: 15px !important; } }

{{ articles_filter_1561_widget.title }}

{{ item.title }}
.most-popular .layout-ratio{ padding-bottom: 79.13%; } @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px) { .widget-title { font-size: 15px !important; } }

{{ articles_filter_1562_widget.title }}

{{ item.title }}
.most-popular .layout-ratio{ padding-bottom: 79.13%; } @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px) { .widget-title { font-size: 15px !important; } }

{{ articles_filter_1563_widget.title }}

{{ item.title }}

{{ articles_filter_1564_widget.title }}

{{ item.title }}
.mb-article-details { position: relative; } .mb-article-details .article-body-preview, .mb-article-details .article-body-summary{ font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; font-family: "Libre Caslon Text", serif; color: #000; } .mb-article-details .article-body-preview iframe , .mb-article-details .article-body-summary iframe{ width: 100%; margin: auto; } .read-more-background { background: linear-gradient(180deg, color(display-p3 1.000 1.000 1.000 / 0) 13.75%, color(display-p3 1.000 1.000 1.000 / 0.8) 30.79%, color(display-p3 1.000 1.000 1.000) 72.5%); position: absolute; height: 200px; width: 100%; bottom: 0; display: flex; justify-content: center; align-items: center; padding: 0; } .read-more-background a{ color: #000; } .read-more-btn { padding: 17px 45px; font-family: Inter; font-weight: 700; font-size: 18px; line-height: 16px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border: 1px solid black; background-color: white; } .hidden { display: none; }
function initializeAllSwipers() { // Get all hidden inputs with cms_article_id document.querySelectorAll('[id^="cms_article_id_"]').forEach(function (input) { const cmsArticleId = input.value; const articleSelector = '#article-' + cmsArticleId + ' .body_images'; const swiperElement = document.querySelector(articleSelector); if (swiperElement && !swiperElement.classList.contains('swiper-initialized')) { new Swiper(articleSelector, { loop: true, pagination: false, navigation: { nextEl: '#article-' + cmsArticleId + ' .swiper-button-next', prevEl: '#article-' + cmsArticleId + ' .swiper-button-prev', }, }); } }); } setTimeout(initializeAllSwipers, 3000); const intersectionObserver = new IntersectionObserver( (entries) => { entries.forEach((entry) => { if (entry.isIntersecting) { const newUrl = entry.target.getAttribute("data-url"); if (newUrl) { history.pushState(null, null, newUrl); let article = entry.target; // Extract metadata const author = article.querySelector('.author-section').textContent.replace('By', '').trim(); const section = article.querySelector('.section-info ').textContent.replace(' ', ' '); const title = article.querySelector('.article-title h1').textContent; // Parse URL for Chartbeat path format const parsedUrl = new URL(newUrl, window.location.origin); const cleanUrl = parsedUrl.host + parsedUrl.pathname; // Update Chartbeat configuration if (typeof window._sf_async_config !== 'undefined') { window._sf_async_config.path = cleanUrl; window._sf_async_config.sections = section; window._sf_async_config.authors = author; } // Track virtual page view with Chartbeat if (typeof pSUPERFLY !== 'undefined' && typeof pSUPERFLY.virtualPage === 'function') { try { pSUPERFLY.virtualPage({ path: cleanUrl, title: title, sections: section, authors: author }); } catch (error) { console.error('ping error', error); } } // Optional: Update document title if (title && title !== document.title) { document.title = title; } } } }); }, { threshold: 0.1 } ); function showArticleBody(button) { const article = button.closest("article"); const summary = article.querySelector(".article-body-summary"); const body = article.querySelector(".article-body-preview"); const readMoreSection = article.querySelector(".read-more-background"); // Hide summary and read-more section summary.style.display = "none"; readMoreSection.style.display = "none"; // Show the full article body body.classList.remove("hidden"); } document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", () => { let loadCount = 0; // Track how many times articles are loaded const offset = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]; // Offset values const currentUrl = window.location.pathname.substring(1); let isLoading = false; // Prevent multiple calls if (!currentUrl) { console.log("Current URL is invalid."); return; } const sentinel = document.getElementById("load-more-sentinel"); if (!sentinel) { console.log("Sentinel element not found."); return; } function isSentinelVisible() { const rect = sentinel.getBoundingClientRect(); return ( rect.top < window.innerHeight && rect.bottom >= 0 ); } function onScroll() { if (isLoading) return; if (isSentinelVisible()) { if (loadCount >= offset.length) { console.log("Maximum load attempts reached."); window.removeEventListener("scroll", onScroll); return; } isLoading = true; const currentOffset = offset[loadCount]; window.loadMoreItems().then(() => { let article = document.querySelector('#widget_1690 > div:nth-last-of-type(2) article'); intersectionObserver.observe(article) loadCount++; }).catch(error => { console.error("Error loading more items:", error); }).finally(() => { isLoading = false; }); } } window.addEventListener("scroll", onScroll); });
Join Our Newsletters

Sign up by email to receive news.

© 2025 Manila Bulletin The Nation's Leading Newspaper. All Rights Reserved.