Indian bookings for Switzerland up by 41% year-on-year; surge in Dec queries
Abhishek Daga, Co-Founder, Thrillophilia
From Grindelwald to Gstaad, Thrillophilia data shows 41% rise in Swiss winter travel, led by honeymooners and Tier-2 explorers
Switzerland may still be India’s dream destination, but this winter, travellers are turning the page to a different chapter, one filled with cobblestoned lanes, chalet windows, and fondue by the fire. According to Thrillophilia, Indian bookings for Switzerland are up 41% year-on-year, with smaller, vibe-rich towns witnessing a 63% surge for December–February stays.
Data from the platform shows that travellers from Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities are moving beyond Interlaken and Lucerne, choosing instead to base themselves in destinations like Grindelwald (+78%), Gstaad (+71%), Pontresina (+66%), Meiringen–Hasliberg (+58%), and Andermatt (+55%).
“We’re seeing India’s evolving travel palette,” said Abhishek Daga, Co-founder, Thrillophilia. “Today’s traveller wants to experience the Alps differently, less crowds, more connection. The Swiss winter story is no longer about a checklist of landmarks, but about slow mornings, local bakeries, scenic train rides, and boutique stay that offer quiet luxury without the noise.”
The report spotlights a decisive tilt towards ‘offbeat Switzerland’, with travellers prioritising authentic settings, mountain-town ambience, and better access to winter activities. The most-searched experiences include Christmas markets (31%), fondue or igloo dinners (47%), night-sledging (22%), and horse-drawn sleigh rides in the Engadin (19%).
Among honeymooners, who form 38% of all Swiss winter travellers, 64% now prefer small-town bases, with an average spend per couple between ₹2.7–3.4 lakh, up 12% YoY. The average trip length stands at 7-8 nights, and more than half (58%) of these trips include at least one iconic scenic rail journey like the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, or GoldenPass Line.
An interesting trend driving this growth is the rise of Tier-2 and Tier-3 India, whose share of Switzerland winter bookings has jumped to 38%, from 27% last year. Cities such as Lucknow, Jaipur, Indore, Coimbatore, Kochi, Chandigarh, and Surat are fuelling this demand, indicating a wider democratisation of international travel among upwardly mobile Indian families and young couples.
“Travel aspirations are no longer limited by geography,” added Daga. “Digital exposure, better connectivity, and evolving lifestyle preferences are pushing travellers from smaller cities to seek premium, curated experiences and Switzerland’s storybook towns fit that aspiration beautifully.”
