Speaking at a kickoff meeting for the skiing season in St. Moritz, UBS Chief Executive Sergio Ermotti highlighted the problems which are besetting both banking and tourism in Switzerland.
Swiss tourism and Swiss banking were industries fighting with similar difficulties, UBS boss Sergio Ermotti said, according to a report by «Suedostschweiz» newspaper.
Both industries had built their reputation over a very long time and had to develop a sense for quality service and for putting customers at the center of their performance, Ermotti said. «It is all about exceeding expectations,» the banker told his audience of tourism experts in Pontresina, a ski resort close to St. Moritz.
Innovation Key to Success
Swiss values weren't enough though to remain competitive, despite the excellent reputation of Swiss tourism and Swiss banking, Ermotti said.
The UBS manager repeated a plea to keep regulation to a minimum and to promote the free entrepreneurial spirit. In addition to that it was important to understand the importance of cooperations. «We have to emphasize innovation and show courage to think out of the box,» Ermotti appealed.
No to Excessive Pricing
The world championship in downhill skiing, set to take place in St. Moritz this winter, was a great opportunity for tourism to attract more customers, Ermotti said. He also warned not to discourage potential future tourists with excessive prices during the event in February.
