Switzerland Tourism (ST) is pleased to announce that Manuela Hess took over the role of Media Relations Manager Western USA starting February 1, 2023. She will be based in Los Angeles.  

Manuela Hess brings extensive experience in media and public relations. Starting her career in journalism at a Swiss regional media outlet, Manuela was in charge for all PR, communications and media relations for the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation prior to joining ST. In this role, she attended the Olympic Winter Games and several Ice Hockey World Championships as a media officer. No stranger to destination marketing, Manuela’s background includes experience at the Jungfrau Region Tourism organization. She holds a master’s degree in communications management from the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences (Switzerland) and a higher diploma in journalism. Manuela grew up in Bern and speaks English, German, French, Spanish and Italian.  

After her onboarding in New York City, Manuela will be based in Los Angeles from March on. She is enthusiastic about the move: “Joining this great organization and having the unique opportunity to promote and represent our beautiful country in the Western USA is a huge privilege. I’m looking forward to build and further develop relations with new and existing contacts within this vibrant region and its creative and influential media landscape, and to create opportunities to showcase our multifaceted destination.” adds Manuela. 

Manuela, takes over the position of Matthias Kramer who has been transferred to Liechtenstein Tourism as Head of Tourism and Economy in September 2020. 

“I am thrilled to have media representation for Switzerland Tourism on the west coast based in Los Angeles. Thanks to Manuela’s outpost in the second largest city in USA, Switzerland Tourism will once again have a finger on the pulse of the influential media and broadcasting industries. Knowing that California is the leading source market in North America for Switzerland Tourism, we are looking forward to reconnecting with existing and new contacts thanks to her great competencies and work experience” said Divine Bonga, Head of Media & Communications for Switzerland Tourism North America.