Tourism sector calls on politicians for help

Representatives of Switzerland's tourism sector are calling for more official support for the industry. The three main tourism associations are demanding lower taxes and an end to what they describe as an expansion of social security.

Representatives of Switzerland’s tourism sector are calling for more official support for the industry. The three main tourism associations are demanding lower taxes and an end to what they describe as an expansion of social security.

High taxes, in particular Value Added Tax, would slow down consumer demand drastically, three of Switzerland’s main tourism associations pointed out at a meeting in Berne.

GastroSuisse, the Swiss Tourism Association and the Swiss Hotelier Club said politicians were not taking enough notice of the tourism industry. They said that Switzerland had not benefited sufficiently from the world wide growth in tourism, and that strong political signals were now needed.

According to the associations representing Swiss tourism, the subsidies paid out by the government are lower than in other countries. In addition to higher financial contributions, the tourism sector wants the state to support bank loans given to hotels in Switzerland.

The associations also urged the authorities to be more flexible in awarding permits for foreigners to work in Switzerland, particularly in border areas and for people working under seasonal contracts. They said additional cuts to their seasonal workforce would be harmful.

They also called on the government to introduce legislation governing the labelling of food and hygiene which is also applicable by small businesses.

In addition, the tourism groups criticised plans to expand the narcotics law to include alcohol and tobacco, describing such a move as threat to the very existence of the hotel and restaurant business.

From staff and wire reports