The guests were welcomed by H.E. Mr. Heinrich Maurer, Ambassador of Switzerland in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Bernhard Wodl, Head of SWISS Austria and Central and Eastern Europe, and Mr. Federico Sommaruga, Director Emerging Markets Switzerland Tourism. The reception was held at the Art Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo, which hosts paintings of one of Switzerland´s most renowned artists, Ferdinand Hodler.

“On one hand, this new direct flight line is further opening the door of BiH to the world. Zurich and Geneva are not only well-known Swiss cities but also important European airports connecting many other international destinations. On the other hand, SWISS flights from Switzerland to Sarajevo will facilitate and strengthen the already strong personal links between our two countries and populations. Beside the potential of the around 60’000 strong BiH diaspora in Switzerland, many more visitors should be attracted to visit BiH and its cultural and natural beauties by using these flight connections”, said Ambassador Maurer.

With the start of the 2015 summer schedule SWISS has introduced services to 22 new European destinations from its Zurich hub and expanded its Geneva-based network with year-round service to six new destinations. Sarajevo is one of them. “SWISS will continue to invest in its Central and Eastern European services, wherever we see opportunities to do so. Because we are convinced that these attractive market regions bear a lot of potential”, stressed Mr. Wodl in his speech.

Mr. Sommaruga subsequently gave a short presentation about Switzerland as tourism destination. Showing charming landscape and country sights, Mr. Sommaruga outlined the new touristic offer “Grand Tour of Switzerland”, a 1.600 km long journey through the country.