The Swiss tourism balance remained in deficit last year, with Swiss tourists spending more outside our borders than foreign visitors in Switzerland. The balance is negative at 1.8 billion francs.
Total spending exceeded the record levels of 2019. Revenue from the tourism balance, i.e. spending by foreign visitors in Switzerland, rose by 12.4% year-on-year to 18.4 billion francs. Swiss tourists spent 20.2 billion on trips abroad, according to initial estimates from the Federal Statistical Office.
Last year, the number of foreign tourists in Switzerland continued to grow at an annual rate, the press release states. The number of hotel nights increased, with guests showing a marked interest in “higher category” establishments. The hotel and para-hotel sectors saw their revenues increase. The trend is similar for hospital and study stays.
Overnight stays on the rise
Revenue from overnight stays increased by 19.4%, according to the federal statisticians. For stays without overnight stays, a decline of 3.8% was observed. Revenue from day trips and transit tourism fell by 13.1%. Consumer spending by cross-border commuters and short-term permit holders increased by 5.4%.
Overnight stays by Swiss abroad increased by 16.6%, bringing their total purchases to 15.1 billion francs. This amount represents three quarters of the total. Shopping tourism remains stable, with non-overnight stays generating a turnover of 5.1 billion.
ats/kkub
