The lake district at heart

Pierre Kammermann and Davide Castrini, are you both cruise fans?

DC: My first cruise will be on the MS Attila.

PK: Basically, I'm neither a boat nor a cruise fan. But the MS Attila with its somewhat different charm immediately won my heart.

So love at first sight... What were your first thoughts when you were approached about the Attila?

DC: As a Solothurn native, I have close ties with the Seeland and know the 3 Lakes region very well. The idea of having a cruise ship in addition to the spa boats, which will showcase the beauty of the region in an even more concentrated way, fascinated me and made me want to support the project.

PK: I was immediately hooked on the idea of the project and knew that I wanted to be part of it with Bank CIC. Being able to experience wonderful trips in the 3 Lakes Region and meeting exciting people were additional motivators.

How does a bank and a boutique boatel fit together? 

DC/PK: When we were put in touch with those responsible at Attila for this project, we were immediately enthusiastic and were able to support the project with an individual, flexible financing solution. We also received broad approval from the management of Bank CIC. The interaction between the companies/entrepreneurs involved, shareholders and other project stakeholders correlates 1:1 with the business model of our financial institution. We are extremely proud to be able to make our contribution to the realization of this pioneering project.

And what exactly does this partnership between Bank CIC and Attila look like?

DC/PK: Bank CIC is both a financing partner and a gold sponsor of Attila. We also have a friendly and cooperative relationship with various project co-initiators.

Could you briefly introduce Bank CIC to us? 

Bank CIC is the flexible bank for companies, entrepreneurs and private individuals. We assist our clients with complex financial needs and are part of the Crédit Mutuel Group, headquartered in Paris, which is one of the best capitalized banks in Europe. At the same time, we live typical Swiss values and speak - in the truest sense of the word - your language. The foundation stone of Bank CIC was laid 150 years ago, and we have been anchored in Switzerland for over 110 years. We are currently present in nine locations. Here we think and act in an entrepreneurial and flexible manner, in line with the motto: act locally, be present nationally and benefit from international solution expertise. Bank CIC is also the market leader in the financing of river cruise ships. It is therefore only natural that we also apply our expertise to boats on lakes.

That sounds exciting. Back to Boutique Boatel. You have already mentioned that you know and appreciate the region. What makes the Seeland so special in your eyes? 

DC: I was born and grew up in Solothurn. The Seeland was and still is a favorite place for me to spend time - whether on foot, by bike or motorcycle and now also with the Attila.

KP: I love regional products such as cheese and wine and especially the savoir-vivre of the Suisse Romande I also have fond memories of the city of Neuchâtel from my youth.

Attila also has attractive offers for companies. Have you already planned something with your management or employees?

DC/KP: The first three customer events for the current year are already being planned or implemented. We are also planning exclusive partner and customer events on the Attila in the coming years and have no shortage of ideas. Our colleagues will also benefit from preferential conditions.

And your personal cruise is already booked? 

DC: Planned yes, but not yet booked.

PK: As of today: No, but the focus is on a 2-3 day golf trip on the Attila.

What are you particularly looking forward to when you think of the Attila?

DC: Discover and enjoy the Seeland from a different perspective.

PK: Exciting encounters, enjoyable moments and unique, unforgettable experiences.