The Swiss hotel sector registered a 40% drop in overnight stays in 2020 compared with 2019. Foreign demand fell by 66% as tourists stayed away due to the pandemic, latest statistics show.
“The exceptional context of Covid–19 explains this unprecedented fall at a level not seen since the end of the 1950s,” mentioned the Swiss Federal Statistical Office in a statement.
Swiss demand fell less drastically (–8.6%) to 16.4 million overnight stays. Total, the sector recorded 23.7 million overnight stays for 2020.
Switzerland Tourism, the country’s national tourism organization, called 2020 its “Annus Horribilis”. “The yr will keep in the tourism sector’s thoughts as the biggest challenge since the Second World War,” is mentioned in a statement.
It mentioned the industry had endured months-long closures of businesses, very few European guests (6 million/-51%), and hardly any abroad travelers. The number of Swiss residents on staycation – the summer months were particularly popular within the mountains – was not able to counter this, it added.
Swiss cities suffered in particular, with popular destinations Zurich and Geneva recording two-thirds drops in overnight stays throughout summer.
Switzerland went into lockdown over spring 2020 and eased restrictions over the summer, before tightening them in late autumn as a second coronavirus wave rolled over the nation. It’s currently in a semi-shutdown with restaurants likely closed till April. Shops and museums could open on March 1 under national plans. Ski resorts are open.
