Statistics released by the Federal Statistical Office on February 19 showed that the number of overnight stays in Switzerland in 2020 fell by 40% compared to 2019 - a record decline since the late 1950s. Demand from foreign tourists fell by 66%, while demand from domestic residents fell less, by 8.6%.
Switzerland’s tourism industry has suffered from months of business closures, few European visitors and almost no foreign visitors. The number of overnight stays by Swiss residents in the summer months, which are common in the high mountains and famous ski resorts, has not been able to compensate.
Switzerland went into lockdown in spring 2020 and eased restrictions over the summer, before tightening them again in late fall as a second wave of COVID-19 infections swept through the country. Switzerland is still requiring restaurants and cafes to close temporarily until April 2021. However, ski resorts are still open.
Switzerland Tourism CEO Martin Nydegger said the new sustainable tourism strategy, called Swisstainable, was of "critical importance." All sustainably oriented tourism service providers can join the Swisstainable program from May 2021 and will receive a special logo.
