Switzerland comes to Loch Ness as holiday service company opens Drumnadrochit office
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THE Loch Ness village of Drumnadrochit has been chosen as the location for the first UK office of a major Swiss holiday company.
Although Interhome, a leading European self-catering holiday company, has been present in the UK since the 1960’s, this will be the first office providing a full service including marketing, cleaning and linen.
Drumnadrochit is the latest of Interhome's 200-plus service offices throughout Europe.
Daniel Hodgson, purchasing manager for Scotland moved to the area in October 2019.
He said: "It has been a long journey. I moved here to open the office just before the pandemic started. I didn’t know anyone when I moved here, but everyone has been very welcoming.
"The pandemic put things on hold, but it is nice to be finally back on track and start welcoming our European guests to the area."
He added that business has been slow since the pandemic hit, but gradually things are improving.
They now service around 45 properties around Drumnadrochit and their target is to have on their books around 120 properties within a 20 to 30 mile radius of Loch Ness within three years.
The Swiss company has around 180 properties on its books in Scotland, and since it also markets them on the Continent, Mr Hodgeson is hopeful that it could herald a major influx of visitors from Europe.
Willie Cameron, the owner of Loch Ness Marketing, said a few words at the recent office opening.
He told the Inverness Courier: "This is a very high profile company and very good to deal with. They will be a great asset to the Highlands and to Drumnadrochit."
The Interhome Group portfolio, with the Interhome and Interchalet brands, consists of approximately 35,000 holiday homes and apartments in 27 countries.
It is part of the Hotelplan Group based in Glattbrugg, Switzerland. This in turn is 100% owned by Migros, the largest retail organisation in Switzerland based in Zurich.
Interhome Group is a specialist in the rental of privately-owned holiday accommodation.
The range of holiday accommodation is extensive, from cosy chalets or apartments to exclusive luxury villas - on the beach, in the countryside, in the city or in the mountains.
In 2021, the Interhome Group welcomed more than 890,000 holiday guests with a turnover of over £225 million.
