As many skiers on the Swiss slopes this winter as before, Corona
According to the KOF tourism forecast, a relatively regular winter season is on its way in the Swiss mountains. In particular, European travellers expect their return in more significant numbers.
Tourism professionals are gearing up for winter in the Swiss mountains. This season could be a successful one for the Swiss tourism industry—an assumption made in the latest tourism forecast presented by ETH Zurich Economic Research Center (KOF).
According to the KOF, the number of overnight stays should nearly reach the numbers before the Corona crisis. Guests from Switzerland are primarily responsible for the growth, meaning they will probably stick with the local ski areas this winter. However, as many European guests are likely to return as before the pandemic. As many skiers on the Swiss slopes this winter as before, Corona
There are fewer restrictions on coronas than in neighbouring countries.
Forecasts are based on a variety of assumptions. As a result of the advanced vaccination campaigns, the KOF assumes there won’t be many significant Corona restrictions this winter. As many skiers on the Swiss slopes this winter as before, Corona
The Covid certificate is the only requirement for foreigners to enter Switzerland, and the same certificate will probably be required to stay in hotels and mountain restaurants. On the other hand, a certificate is not currently a requirement for mountain railways, so the rules in Switzerland will be less strict than in Austria or Germany, for instance. As a result, Swiss will likely rely on pragmatic solutions that have already proved effective last winter.
Unpredictable weather is a given. Mountain tourism will suffer if there is no snow and no sun.
Europeans are back, Americans and Asians are staying away
The predictions are nevertheless a positive development for the industry. “Corona” was a significant player in the last 2020/21 winter season. Unlike the surrounding countries, the Swiss ski areas remained open, allowing decent business.
Nevertheless, foreign guests came in much lower numbers than usual this past winter due to Corona. As a result, the number of overnight stays in the Alpine region in 2020/21 was around 30% lower than in 2018/19.
Due to vaccination campaigns and certification regulations, KOF expects many European guests to return. With the help of the locals, they will probably bring overnight stays almost back to the level before Corona.
In contrast, few guests from long-distance markets such as the USA and Asia are likely to continue to arrive. Therefore, tourism in Switzerland will shape itself by this trend in the coming years. As many skiers on the Swiss slopes this winter as before, Corona
According to the KOF, it will be long before Asians and Americans increasingly venture back to Europe. After all, the pre-Corona levels are unlikely to be reached by the end of 2023. Nevertheless, the crisis may drag on in places that cater to this clientele, such as Lucerne or the Jungfrau region. Hoteliers in cities will continue to struggle for a while.
You can find the complete study at the KOF tourism forecast
So are you all ready to hit the road to the beautiful Swiss mountain areas?
Visit our events, suggestion and travel guide page, for a more inspiring idea for your winter travel.
