A new air link between the Highlands and Islands and Switzerland is set to take-off next year.

The charter flight service operated by Falcontravel is to begin flying between Inverness and Zurich in May and will run once a week until September.

The new service could attract up to 2,000 visitors per year to the area.

Speaking at the Tourism Awards, First Minister Alex Salmond said: "The Scottish Highlands and Islands have much to offer the world and will provide a warm welcome to visitors from Switzerland. 

"Those flying in from Zurich can look forward to fantastic scenery and wildlife, adventure sports, historic buildings and festivals right across the region.”

Alex Paterson, head of regional competitiveness at Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), added: "Tourism is a priority sector for HIE and the addition of a further charter flight from Europe to Inverness is a welcome boost to the industry in the Highlands and Islands.

"Securing the link between Inverness and Zurich is another excellent example of how good partnership working can help develop new services, making an invaluable contribution to the ongoing economic growth of the region."

Inglis Lyon, managing director of Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd, stated: "Highlands and Islands Airports are delighted to be able to add Zurich to its inbound charter routes for 2010 after working very closely with Falcontravel and HIE to secure the contract. 

"It is a new and exciting development for the portfolio of routes coming into Inverness during the summer months and we are looking forward to welcoming all our new Swiss customers to the Highlands and Islands."