When travelling abroad, the Swiss travel by car as much as by plane.
KEYSTONE/ VALENTIN FLAURAUD
Each Swiss resident went on 3.3 overnight trips on average last year, compared to 2.8 five years ago, according to figures released on Thursday by the Federal Statistical Office.
According to the reportExternal link, the average number of trips per person rose by 10% from 2016 to 2017, with a significant increase among women, who now take as many trips as men.
Overall, in 2017 nine out of ten Swiss took at least one journey with an overnight stay, for a total of 24.9 million such trips. Of those, a third were within Switzerland, while 40% took travellers to neighbouring countries. France was the most popular destination with over three million trips – a 68% increase over 2016. Italy and Germany followed with 2.9 and 2.8 million trips, respectively.
Some 70% of those travelling within Switzerland prefer to drive. For those going abroad, the car and the plane are equally popular. Just 25% of Swiss use public transport when taking a holiday trip in Switzerland, and the figure drops to 10% for trips across the border.
Over half of Swiss say their travels are for holidays and relaxation. One-third travel to visit friends or relatives, while just 6% travel for professional reasons.
While an overnight trip within Switzerland cost an average of CHF146 ($148) per day in 2016, the figure was down to CHF139 in 2017. However, at CHF152 per day, trips abroad last year cost eight francs more than they did in 2016.
In addition to overnight travel, the Swiss also take on average ten day-trips every year, mostly within Switzerland.
Popular Stories
More
Swiss Abroad
An eye-opening guide to Switzerland’s ear-splitting sirens
This content was published on
Thomas Schinecker, CEO of Swiss pharma firm Roche, has dismissed fears that sales targets would be under threat by US tariffs.
This content was published on
Researchers are asking the Swiss public for help in naming two newly discovered Swiss fish species of the genus Barbatula.
Science alliance warns against Swiss government’s cost-cutting plans
This content was published on
An alliance of research and science institutions have warned of dire consequences if the Swiss government goes ahead with its austerity package.
Accidents during leisure time on the rise in Switzerland
This content was published on
IN 2024 more people had accidents during leisure time than in the previous year. Some 26% of all sports accidents happened playing football.
This content was published on
Apple's iPhones have gained further market share in Switzerland. Around half of all smartphone owners used a model from the US tech giant last year.
Switzerland receives poor marks in fight against public sector corruption
This content was published on
Switzerland is not improving in the fight against corruption according to the Corruption Perceptions Index published by Transparency International.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.