Wednesday, September 18, 2024 The relationship between the Philippines and Switzerland has steadily grown stronger over the years, fueled by mutual interests in tourism, trade, education, and diplomacy. A recent trip to Switzerland offered a firsthand glimpse of how these two nations are cultivating deeper ties, especially through tourism. The experiences of Filipino tourists in Switzerland reflect the unique blend of adventure, luxury, and sustainability that the country offers.
As more Filipinos discover the natural beauty and cultural richness of Switzerland, the connections between the two nations continue to flourish. A Filipino family’s adventure in Switzerland highlighted this evolving relationship. The trip showcased not only the majestic Alps and the tranquil, car-free streets of Zermatt but also the country’s commitment to sustainability.
Eco-friendly practices are embedded in Swiss tourism, with public fountains offering clean drinking water and trains powered by sustainable energy. The experience underscored Switzerland’s goal of providing eco-conscious yet luxurious tourism. Notably, cities like Zermatt restrict cars to protect the environment, offering visitors a peaceful, nature-filled retreat.
Traveling around Switzerland was made easy by the Swiss Travel Pass, which provided unlimited access to trains, buses, and boats, as well as free entry to over 500 museums. For Filipino tourists, the seamless travel experience, facilitated by this pass, enhanced the overall journey. It allowed visitors to immerse themselves in Switzerland’s culture and history without the hassle of booking separate tickets, making it an enriching experience.
Upon returning to the Philippines, the family noticed a growing trend: Filipinos are becoming one of the fastest-growing markets for Swiss tourism. While the Philippines may not yet rank among the largest tourist sources for Switzerland, it is witnessing one of the highest growth rates. This increase reflects the deepening mutual interests between the two countries and mirrors the broader diplomatic and cultural ties that continue to develop.
At a recent Swiss National Day celebration in Taguig City, the Embassy of Switzerland made clear the strong connection between the two nations. Leaders like Batiste Pilet, Southeast Asia Director for Switzerland Tourism, have played a significant role in promoting Switzerland to Filipino travelers. Pilet and his team have observed a growing interest from the Philippines, with more Filipino tourists choosing Switzerland as a destination, particularly during the off-season.
Pilet noted that more than 60% of Filipino visitors opt to visit Switzerland during the off-peak season, which has contributed to an increase in hotel occupancy rates. From 2019 to 2023, overnight stays by Filipinos in Switzerland grew by 74%. This impressive growth, while still in its early stages, is expected to continue rising, as the Philippines becomes a more significant market for Swiss tourism.
In response to the growing demand, Switzerland has focused on establishing a permanent presence in the Philippines to ensure that the momentum is maintained. Pilet explained that after confirming the potential of the Filipino market, the Swiss tourism office in Manila decided to stay beyond its initial two-year mandate. This decision reflects Switzerland’s commitment to nurturing the Filipino tourism market and fostering stronger ties with the Philippines.
Tourism is just one aspect of the evolving relationship between the Philippines and Switzerland. Both nations continue to collaborate on trade, investment, and education, solidifying their partnership across various sectors. According to Kent Marjun Primor, Head of Economic & Trade Advisory at the Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines, trade between the two countries has been steadily increasing, with a 1.
8% growth in 2023, bringing the total trade volume to USD 933 million. This growth has been driven, in part, by the PH-EFTA free trade agreement, which has allowed more Filipino products to benefit from zero tariffs. Additionally, Swiss companies have contributed significantly to the Philippine economy, creating over 28,000 jobs through more than 60 Swiss firms operating in the country.
These companies not only invest in local industries but also play a vital role in promoting education and sustainability in the Philippines. Switzerland’s contributions to the Philippines extend beyond trade and tourism. The Swiss Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (SwissCham) has been a valuable partner in promoting vocational and technical education.
With a focus on apprenticeships and skills recognition, SwissCham demonstrates that success, even in top leadership positions, does not necessarily require a traditional college degree. This approach has been instrumental in helping young Filipinos develop the skills needed to succeed in various industries. Sustainability is another area where the two nations collaborate.
SwissCham has introduced programs like the Sustainability Reporting for Responsible Business, which helps Filipino companies align their operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These initiatives not only benefit the environment but also contribute to the long-term prosperity of both countries. Moreover, Switzerland has been a strong advocate for Filipino innovation.
The Swiss Innovation Prize Competition, held annually, provides young Filipino innovators with opportunities to showcase their talents and gain support for their projects. This initiative highlights Switzerland’s commitment to fostering creativity and entrepreneurship in the Philippines. The diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Switzerland have also strengthened in recent years.
Switzerland has played a crucial role in supporting peace efforts in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Mindanao. Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Nicolas Brühl, emphasized Switzerland’s commitment to fostering peace and stability in the region during his speech on Swiss National Day.
He highlighted Switzerland’s involvement in the peace process, demonstrating the country’s dedication to promoting long-term stability in the Philippines. On a broader geopolitical level, both countries have reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law. During a political consultation last year, Switzerland and the Philippines emphasized the importance of dialogue and adherence to international law, particularly in the South China Sea.
Both nations support the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling, advocating for peaceful resolutions to territorial disputes. The relationship between the Philippines and Switzerland continues to evolve, with both nations committed to exploring new opportunities for collaboration. Whether through trade, tourism, education, or peacebuilding, the ties between the two countries are built on mutual respect and a shared vision for sustainable growth.
As Filipino tourists continue to explore Switzerland’s natural wonders, and as both nations deepen their diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties, it is clear that the connection between the Philippines and Switzerland is thriving. With leaders like Ambassador Brühl, Batiste Pilet, and Kent Marjun Primor working tirelessly to strengthen this partnership, the future looks bright for both countries. The shared commitment to peace, prosperity, and progress ensures that the Philippines and Switzerland will continue to learn from each other and grow together in the years to come.
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