Indian Tour Operator, Switrus, Expands Globally: Pioneers as First Indian Company to Establish Presence in Germany
Switrus Holidays, India's fastest-growing European travel brand, has accomplished a groundbreaking achievement by opening its first international office in Germany. This move makes Switrus the first and only Indian tour operator to have a registered travel branch in Germany, setting a new standard for Indian outbound travel.
Originating from Thrissur, Kerala, Switrus has transformed into a well-known name for weekly group European tours, with over 25,000 satisfied travelers, nine offices across India, and now, a flagship international office in the heart of Europe.
The grand opening ceremony of Switrus' German office took place in Duisburg, signifying a proud and emotional milestone for the brand. The event was attended by esteemed guests and local dignitaries from both the Indian and German communities, representing a bridge between the two cultures. Notable attendees included:
- Mr. Marcus Jungbauer, District Mayor of Hamborn, reinforcing strong civic and cultural support for this Indo-German collaboration
- Mrs. Felix Kaya, Senior General Manager of Western Union Duisburg, symbolizing leadership in international business and financial services
- Christoph Henneken, Attorney General of Duisburg, highlighting the strong legal and civic partnership
- Fr. Dr. Issac Elsadanam, Parish Priest at St. Joseph Church, Duisburg, blessing the occasion and offering prayers for the success of the new venture
- Mr. Jose Kumbiluvelil, Member of Loka Kerala Sabha and Senior Media Activist, symbolizing the strong voice of the Indian diaspora in Europe.
Their presence underscored the global relevance and growing impact of Indian tourism in Europe, making the occasion a truly cross-cultural celebration.
"Switrus is not just connecting cities - it's connecting people," said Mr. Marcus Jungbauer, District Mayor of Hamborn. "We welcome this initiative that deepens tourism ties and cultural exchange between India and Germany."
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, a cultural evening was held, showcasing the spirit of India with a blend of traditional hospitality, local cuisine, and heartfelt community engagement.
In an industry often relying on third-party vendors and fragmented planning, Switrus' presence in Germany is about more than logistics - it's about reinventing the emotional and cultural experience of Indian travelers in Europe.
"We didn't just want to send travelers to Europe - we wanted to be there for them," said Dr. Joby George, Founder & CEO of Switrus Holidays. "This is not just a branch. It's a bold move toward making Europe simpler, safer, and more accessible for Indian travelers. We are proud to be the first Indian travel company with a direct presence in Germany - bringing better control, faster coordination, and more value to our customers."
This expansion marks a new chapter not only for the brand but for the Indian travel industry at large, signaling a shift in ambition, scale, and global integration. Switrus plans to expand its global footprint with future branches in Asia and the Middle East, and introduce curated travel experiences.
The opening of Switrus Holidays’ first international office in Germany represents a significant milestone for the Indian travel industry, reflecting the ambition and growing global competitiveness of the sector. This expansion enables better coordination, personalized service, and enhanced support for travelers, thereby improving overall customer satisfaction. By establishing a presence in Europe, Switrus is better positioned to serve both outbound Indian tourists and international clients, especially those interested in bespoke travel experiences between India and Europe. Additionally, this move diversifies the company's market, reducing its reliance on the domestic Indian market and mitigating risks associated with local economic fluctuations. Furthermore, Switrus' move sets a precedent for other Indian travel companies, encouraging them to consider global expansion as a viable strategy for growth, innovation, and brand differentiation.
- The opening of Switrus Holidays' international office in Germany marks a significant shift in their ambition and global integration, signaling a move towards diversifying the market and reducing reliance on the domestic Indian market.
- The presence of Switrus Holidays in Germany is not just about logistics; it's about providing a better, more personalized service and emotional cultural experience for Indian travelers in Europe.
- The grand opening ceremony of the Switrus German office, attended by esteemed guests and local dignitaries, symbolized a bridge between Indian and German cultures, reinforcing strong support for the growing impact of Indian tourism in Europe.
