Swiss Hotel Industry Sets New Record in 2024, Driven by Surge in International Tourism
The Swiss hospitality sector achieved a remarkable milestone in 2024, registering an unprecedented 42.8 million overnight stays. This figure represents a substantial 2.6% increase compared to the previous year and surpasses the previous record set in 2023, according to data released by the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (OFS).
Domestic Demand Remains Strong, International Visitors Surge
While domestic demand remained stable at a "high level," with Swiss residents accounting for approximately 20.9 million overnight stays, a mere 0.1% increase compared to 2023, the surge in international tourism was the primary driver of the industry’s impressive performance.
Foreign guests contributed a staggering 22 million overnight stays, marking a noteworthy 5.1% growth over the previous year. This influx of international tourists not only exceeded the 21.8% surge witnessed in 2023 but also marked the highest level of foreign demand in over 50 years, with the OFS citing 1972 as the last time Swiss hotels experienced such a high volume of international visitors.
American Tourists Lead the Charge
The demand from the American continent, particularly from the United States, was a major catalyst for the industry’s growth. Overnight stays from American tourists soared by an impressive 13.9% to nearly 3.5 million, marking "the highest level ever observed" in Switzerland.
European Market Growth, Despite UK Decline
Growth from European tourists was more modest, with an overall increase of 1.4%. However, this was tempered by a 4.1% decline in overnight stays from British tourists, which fell to 1.6 million.
On the other hand, the Swiss hospitality sector experienced a resurgence in demand from French and Spanish tourists. Overnight stays from French guests increased by 6.1% to 1.5 million, reaching its highest level since the early 1990s. Similarly, Spanish tourism saw a record-breaking 6% growth, resulting in over half a million overnight stays.
German and Chinese Markets
German tourists remained the most significant contributors to Swiss hotel occupancy, accounting for nearly 3.8 million overnight stays. However, their growth was limited to 0.5%.
Chinese tourism also continued its recovery, with 725,129 overnight stays. Although still significantly below the pre-pandemic level of 2019 by 47.9%, the industry is optimistic about the potential for further growth in this market.
Conclusion
The Swiss hotel industry’s record-breaking performance in 2024 is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the sector. While domestic demand has stabilized, the surge in international tourism, particularly from the Americas, Europe, and Asia, has fueled the industry’s growth. As the global tourism market continues to recover from the pandemic, the Swiss hospitality industry remains well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for travel and leisure experiences.
