The tournament was granted the status of “International” - meaning it will feature on the second tier of WTA Tour events.

Competition is scheduled to take place at the national tennis centre of Swiss Tennis, with a new indoor arena earmarked to be completed by February 2017.

A total of 32 players will feature in the singles competition, while 16 pairings will contest the doubles event.

Agencies Octagon and InfrontRingier Sports & Entertainment Switzerland were granted a licence to hold the event, the WTA said.

“We are more than proud to partner with Octagon to bring the WTA Tour to the country, especially at this time, as Swiss women’s tennis is experiencing tremendous international success and a huge upward trend,” said Lukas Troxler, deputy managing director of InfrontRingier and the tournament director.

“Tennis fans in Switzerland are eager and enthusiastic to support their players and it is exciting for the country to once again become a world stage for tennis.

“We would like to extend our thanks also to Swiss Tennis for its support and look forward to continuing our successful collaboration.”

The tournament will be positioned at the start of the European spring season, with players expected to return to the continent following the Indian Wells and Miami Open in the United States.

InfrontRingier are due to market the national media rights to the event, with the WTA holding international rights, while they will also offer a title sponsorship opportunity.

Further partner packages will also be offered and could grant companies access to an exclusive hospitality area that will serve up to 400 people.

Octagon have staged a premier WTA tournament for 25 years in Zurich, as well as other WTA competitions in Lucerne and Geneva.

“I have fond memories of my first WTA tournament in Zurich and I am excited that Octagon has been able to work with Swiss Tennis and InfrontRingier to bring an International event to Biel,” said Switzerland's five-time Grand Slam singles champion Martina Hingis, who is represented by Octagon.

“Switzerland has a great tennis history and having such an event in my home country will help to build on that.

“Being able to play in front of your home fans is a special experience and I plan to be involved as much as possible to help make the tournament a success for the Swiss tennis fans.”