Chinese travel agencies will soon offer tourists 20 destinations around the world. Switzerland, which does not require a Covid test, is one of only two European countries on the list.
The announcement was made by the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism on January 20, Le Temps newspaper reportedExternal link on Wednesday. This relaxation comes as Covid-19 has reportedly infected 80% of the population in recent weeks.
After nearly three years of strict border closures, Beijing decided on December 7 to lift most travel restrictions in China and then to allow its citizens to travel abroad again. From February 6, Chinese travel agencies can offer 20 destinations, including Switzerland and Hungary.
Earlier this year Beijing criticised the European Union’s recommendations that people should be tested for Covid in China before flying to a European destination. This measure is applied by all of Switzerland’s neighbours but was deemed unnecessary by Bern on January 11.
More
More
Switzerland has no plans to test travellers from China for Covid-19
This content was published on
Switzerland says travellers from China entering the country will not be required to undergo compulsory testing for Covid-19.
“The circulation of Covid-19 in Switzerland is currently so high that compulsorily testing the relatively small number of people arriving in the country from China directly by air would have minimal impact on the virus’s current spread,” the government said.
As one of the biggest spenders on luxury goods, Chinese tourists had become a windfall for many countries over the past decade. On January 15 the Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ) pointed out how Chinese tourists not only fill Swiss hotel rooms but are also big spenders, parting with around CHF380 ($410) a day, with much of this on souvenirs. This makes them the second most generous tourist group in Switzerland after visitors from the Middle East.
More
More
Federer stars in campaign to woo Chinese tourists
This content was published on
Switzerland Tourism has turned to retired tennis champion Roger Federer to bring Chinese tourists back to Switzerland.
“Chinese tourists will be asked to ensure that they are not infected with the highly contagious disease before boarding flights,” said the official Chinese website China.org.cn. But there is no obligation to do so. On the other hand, Beijing still requires travellers to China to have a negative Covid test to fly.
For its part, Switzerland Tourism is only expecting a slow increase in numbers of Chinese tourists from summer. This is because there are currently no direct flights from China to Switzerland, Schengen visas have to be re-issued in China, and tour operators have to plan their trips first.
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?
Swiss-backed ‘Hera’ asteroid mission hits key milestone with Mars flyby
This content was published on
According to the European Space Agency (ESA), the Red Planet’s gravity will tweak the probe’s path, cutting months off the journey and saving a lot of fuel.
Swiss man arrested over Geneva parcel bomb attacks
This content was published on
A 61-year-old Swiss man was arrested in Geneva in connection with the parcel bomb incidents that left a man and a 12-year-old girl seriously injured.
UN officials in Geneva report over 100 civilian executions in western Syria
This content was published on
Verification is ongoing, and the actual number is likely higher, said a UN spokesperson in Geneva. A Syrian NGO claims executions could exceed 1,000.
Swiss pharma giant Roche partners with Zealand Pharma on new obesity treatment
This content was published on
Roche announced that it has struck an exclusive deal with Denmark's Zealand Pharma to develop and market petrelintide, a new treatment for obesity.
Experts lower Swiss growth forecasts due to US trade tensions
This content was published on
The uncertainty caused by ongoing trade conflicts is making companies hesitant to make decisions, which significantly hinders investment.
Swiss abbot resumes role following abuse investigation
This content was published on
Scarcella was accused in the Catholic Church abuse scandal last autumn. In October 2024, the Vatican declared there was no evidence of abuse or harassment against him.
Swiss stock exchange operator SIX to cut 150 jobs in efficiency drive
This content was published on
"We're not revealing the number of job losses at each location at the moment," said a SIX spokesperson. However, there will be cuts in Switzerland as well.
Martin Pfister named new Swiss government minister
This content was published on
Pfister’s election keeps the linguistic balance of Switzerland’s government, but shifts gender balance to only two women.
Swiss interior minister meets UN leaders in New York for women’s rights session
This content was published on
The Swiss interior minister also held bilateral meetings with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Sima Sami Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women
The image of foreigners in Switzerland has deteriorated
This content was published on
The Federal Statistical Office has found that Swiss people’s views of foreigners have worsened over the last couple of years.
Record-breaking Chinese tourist party descends on Switzerland
This content was published on
Some 12,000 Chinese guests are arriving in Switzerland for the largest work incentive tour party ever to visit the Alpine state.
This content was published on
The government plans to launch a major promotion campaign in China ahead of and during the 2022 Winter Olympics and Winter Paralympic Games.
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.