"Visitors are pleasantly surprised by Basel and often tell us 'we didn't know this city had so much to offer'.says Philipp Schmid, Head of MICE at Basel Tourist Office. "Basel is Switzerland's best-kept secret. We're known for our trade fairs and businesses, but less for our beautiful historic city or our contemporary architecture. But our major cultural exhibitions at the Fondation Beyeler and the Kunstmuseum have established our reputation as a cultural metropolis the world over.". In 2015, for example, the Gauguin exhibition at the Fondation Beyeler attracted 369,000 visitors and generated a healthy income for the hotel industry. "It is estimated that culture accounts for around 30 % to 35 % of leisure tourists' motivations."says Philippe Schmid. And the Basel hotel industry continues to grow. "The greater Basel area has a capacity of 9,000 beds. This year will see the addition of two mid-range establishments, Motel1 and Ibis Style. There are also plans for a Mövenpick hotel and a three-star hotel at the airport."he adds.
