Indian women’s cricket star Jemimah Rodrigues has taken on a new role away from the field after being appointed Switzerland Tourism’s Friendship Ambassador for India. The initiative aims to connect with younger Indian travellers and encourage them to explore Switzerland beyond its popular tourist attractions.
The announcement was made in Bengaluru on Thursday, in the presence of Martin Nydegger, CEO of Switzerland Tourism. Through the association, Rodrigues will showcase the European country’s landscapes, cultural experiences, outdoor adventures and lesser-known destinations across all four seasons.
Why has Switzerland Tourism chosen Jemimah Rodrigues?
Rodrigues has become one of the recognisable faces of Indian women’s cricket, known for her energetic personality and connection with fans. Switzerland Tourism hopes to use her popularity to reach a younger generation of travellers who are increasingly interested in personalised and experience-driven holidays.
The campaign will highlight Switzerland as a year-round destination rather than a place to visit only during the traditional summer travel season. It will encourage Indian tourists to discover different regions, spend more time exploring and experience local culture alongside the country’s famous mountain scenery.
India is already among Switzerland Tourism’s top 10 source markets, making it an important audience for the organisation’s international tourism efforts.
What did Jemimah Rodrigues say about her new role?
Speaking about the association, Rodrigues expressed her excitement about discovering Switzerland from a fresh perspective and sharing her experiences with people back home.
“Representing India has always been something very special to me, and wherever I travel, I carry a little bit of home with me,” Rodrigues said.
She added, “I’m looking forward to meeting people, trying new things, exploring different places, and sharing those moments with everyone back home.”
The campaign’s first trailer followed Rodrigues through Zurich and Interlaken, presenting two different sides of Switzerland.
In Interlaken, she experienced a jetboat ride, participating in Swiss chocolate-making and visits Ballenberg, an open-air museum that showcased traditional Swiss architecture and rural heritage. She also traveled to Jungfraujoch, where visitors can experience snow and spectacular views of the Alps.
The journey then moved to Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city. Rodrigues explored its urban surroundings through activities such as running, riding an e-bike and taking an electric boat across Lake Zurich. A relaxed picnic also featured in the campaign, offering a glimpse of the city’s blend of outdoor spaces and contemporary urban life.
Swiss public transport forms an important part of the journey, demonstrating how travellers can move between cities, lakes and mountain destinations with relative ease.
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Switzerland Tourism’s ‘Travel Better’ philosophy
The partnership also supports Switzerland Tourism’s Travel Better philosophy, which encourages visitors to stay longer, explore additional regions and discover experiences beyond the most familiar attractions.
Christian Schoch, Director India at Switzerland Tourism, said the collaboration would help present the country’s diversity across different seasons and regions.
The campaign will continue beyond its initial trailer, with Rodrigues expected to explore Switzerland during spring, summer, autumn and winter. This approach aims to inspire Indian travellers to consider a wider range of experiences throughout the year.
Jemimah’s recovery from injury
The appointment comes while Rodrigues is recovering from a high-grade tear in her right hamstring, sustained while playing for Southern Brave in The Hundred 2026 on August 3.
The injury forced her to withdraw from the competition and subsequently miss the Women’s Asia Cup and the Asian Games. She has been undergoing rehabilitation and working towards a return to competitive cricket. Her timeline for returning to action remains dependent on her recovery and fitness assessment.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.