GENEVA, Switzerland - Travel Agent arrived yesterday, April 27 in Geneva, Switzerland to attend the 16th Switzerland Travel Mart. The trade show will kick off on April 29 and, until then, Switzerland Tourism is on hand to show us the top regional sights.
We are staying at the InterContinental Geneva in room number 826, a standard room, with views of the mountains, Lake Geneva and the iconic Jet d'Eau. The luxury, five-star property offers 334 rooms, 102 of which are suites. The large volume of suites is due to the hotel's location to the city's embassies, known as "Missions." The hotel's prominent MICE facilities make it a prime location for dignitaries and other business travelers. There are 16 multifunctional units, all on one floor.
The property's spa features six treatment rooms, a Hammam, a sauna, a 24-hour fitness center and Clarins bath products, which are Parisian (tres chic!). The spa has an outdoor stairway that connects to the seasonal outdoor pool, which is open from May through September. During the seasonal months, there is outdoor dining and bar facilities poolside.
This morning we, along with travel agents from across the U.S. and Canada, were taken to the Domaine de la Cote d'Or winery for a visit and tasting, where we strolled through the vineyards, took a look at the bottling process and sampled a sprawling buffet of fine cheeses, cured meats, quiche, fruit and, of course, wine. The winery sits at the top of winding road that carves its way up a hillside through the very chic, very posh Cologny district of Geneva. Views, galore! It ought to be noted that Geneva is surrounded predomintaly by French Alps, and shares just a two-mile border with Switzerland itself. Needless to say, either we were gazing at mountains, rolling green vineyards or piercing blue water.
This evening holds the official opening ceremony for Swiss Travel Mart. Stay tuned for more updates at Travel Agent Central.
