The Blue Lake in Arolla, southwestern Switzerland
Keystone
Switzerland Tourism has welcomed next month’s re-opening of borders with France, Germany and Austria. It believes the country’s reputation for cleanliness and tidiness could be a selling point once the Covid-19 pandemic dies down.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/ts
Português
pt
Imagem ‘limpa e segura’ pode impulsionar turismo suíço
“What doesn’t seem very sexy in normal times can be a big plus in times of crisis,” said Urs Eberhard, deputy director of Switzerland TourismExternal link, in an interview with news agency Keystone-ATS on Thursday.
Asked whether guests should wear protective face masks in Swiss hotels, Eberhard said Switzerland has a “very strong” concept of protection against coronavirus – for hotels, restaurants and tourist transport – which the organisation plans to publish on its website to inform guests and “create trust”.
More
More
Pandemic could cost Swiss tourism sector CHF6 billion
This content was published on
The coronavirus pandemic means ski resorts, hotels and restaurants are closed or at a standstill and jobs are at risk.
Eberhard said it was important that Switzerland and its neighbours now coordinate their protection measures. He also welcomed the recommendation made on Wednesday by the European Commission to the Schengen statesExternal link to re-open their internal borders. He saw this as a “signal” for tourism.
No cut-price offers
Nevertheless, he acknowledged that it might take time for foreign travellers to return.
“Initially, we’re relying above all on domestic customers. One can’t underestimate the fact that in times of crisis people need to hide themselves away,” Eberhard said. “Many will therefore spend their holidays in their own country.”
But “sooner or later” people will feel the need to travel, and foreign tourists should therefore return “in the medium term”.
As for non-European visitors, it was difficult to say when they will return, according to Eberhard. “First of all, the external borders of the Schengen area will have to be re-opened.”
But he said one thing was certain: Switzerland would “not make any offers at cut-rate prices”.
“Rather, we could use this new beginning to convince people to stay with us longer. This would also increase added value,” he said.
External Content
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Almost finished… We need to confirm your email address. To complete the subscription process, please click the link in the email we just sent you.
More
More
Coronavirus: the situation in Switzerland
This content was published on
An overview of the latest Covid-related information in the Alpine nation.
Should Switzerland take measures to support its struggling industries?
Industrial policies are back in fashion, not only in the United States but also in the EU. Should Switzerland, where various industries are struggling, draw inspiration from such policies?
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
This content was published on
The parents of the young jihadist who left for Syria to join the Islamic State have been given suspended sentences by the Federal Criminal Court.
This content was published on
Felix Lehner, Pamela Rosenkranz and Miroslav Sik have been awarded the Swiss Grand Award for Art/Prix Meret Oppenheim 2025.
Nearly 2% of new Swiss disability insurance claims involve Long Covid
This content was published on
Just under 2% of new claims submitted to the disability insurance between 2021 and 2023 concern people suffering from Long Covid.
This content was published on
The watch industry had to contend with a weakening of its exports last year, which reached a volume of CHF25.9 billion ($28.5 billion).
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.
Read more
More
Swiss tourism industry struggling for survival
This content was published on
In an interview with the Schweiz am Wochenende newspaperExternal link, Nydegger referred to a survey of 4,000 companies in the tourism sector. Some 23% of respondents feared that they would not come through the pandemic crisis unscathed. It is still not known when Swiss borders will be fully opened with other countries, although June 8…
Swiss to re-open borders with neighbouring countries
This content was published on
Switzerland plans to re-open its borders with Germany, France and Austria as part of a gradual loosening of curbs over the coronavirus pandemic.
Economic cost of pandemic will be enormous: SNB chief
This content was published on
In two newspaper interviews on Sunday, Jordan warned of significant job losses and an erosion of prosperity in the wake of the pandemic. The economy is currently operating at between 70% to 80% of normal levels, he told the SonntagsZeitungExternal link. “Many people may not yet be able to imagine what these numbers mean for prosperity…
Swiss tourism numbers crash as jobless figures rise
This content was published on
The dramatic downturn was expected due to the government-imposed lockdown and border restrictions. The figures, released on Thursday, show that Swiss residents had also shunned hotels in their own country, having been urged to stay at home during the usually busy Easter weekend. The number of foreign tourists staying at Swiss hotels during March plummeted…
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.