This summer, many residents of Switzerland will enjoy themselves closer to home, for example on Lake Cauma in Flims, Graubünden.
Keystone / Arno Balzarini
Despite the coronavirus, good – and local – summer vacation options are still a priority in Switzerland.
“We have one big goal in common: we want there to be lovely, good and safe holidays in Switzerland this summer,” said Swiss President Simonetta Sommaruga after Sunday’s meeting between government leaders and representatives of the tourism industry – which has been hard hit by Covid-19 restrictions. It was the second such meeting, following one in late April.
The aim of this second meeting was to discuss the need for relaxing vacation options in Switzerland now that travel abroad is problematic. It also served to give the industry a certain degree of planning security.
Swiss restaurants, museums and many other businesses have been allowed to welcome customers since May 11, provided that they have concepts to protect guests and employees from the virus.
From June 8, attractions like mountain railways, zoos, theatres and swimming pools can re-open.
On Wednesday, the government will announce further measures related to the Swiss tourism sector. It is unclear when campgrounds can re-open and lake ferries can begin operating again.
The Swiss government has earmarked CHF40 million ($41.1 million) to support the local tourism industry.
More
More
Coronavirus: the situation in Switzerland
This content was published on
An overview of the latest Covid-related information in the Alpine nation.
This content was published on
The only alternative to the UN Palestinian agency’s work in Gaza is to allow Israel to run services there, Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, told reporters in Geneva on Monday.
Study reveals food culture differences between Switzerland and neighbours
This content was published on
Three-quarters of Swiss people consider eating to be a pleasurable, social activity, a new survey reveals. Healthy eating, however, plays a much less important role, it found.
Precious archaeological vases and coins returned to Italian museum
This content was published on
The Italian authorities have recovered over 2,500 precious ancient coins, vases and small sculptures that had been illegally dug up and sold in Switzerland, Eurojust announced on Monday.
PrimeEnergy Cleantech declared bankrupt by Swiss authorities
This content was published on
PrimeEnergy Cleantech has been officially declared bankrupt, the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce (SOGC) reported on Monday.
This content was published on
The consumption of antibiotics has risen in Switzerland since the Covid-19 pandemic. However, compared to other European countries the Alpine country has one of the lowest levels of antibiotic usage.
Swiss financial watchdog foresees greater uncertainty due to geopolitics
This content was published on
The Swiss financial sector will face greater uncertainty due to the numerous geopolitical conflicts around the world, warns the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).
Swiss museums to mark centenary of death of painter Félix Vallotton
This content was published on
Swiss museums will celebrate the centenary of the death of the artist Félix Vallotton (1865-1925) next year. A major retrospective is planned in Lausanne, his birthplace, in autumn.
Russian mission installs more ‘spy’ antennas in Geneva, Swiss TV report claims
This content was published on
Russian spies are strengthening their presence in Geneva, according to a report by Swiss public television, RTS. Russian officials have placed new satellite dishes on their diplomatic buildings without authorisation.
This content was published on
Switzerland should join NATO, as in the future it cannot rely on its long-standing tradition of neutrality for its defence, John Bolton, Donald Trump's former national security adviser, declared in an interview on Sunday.
This content was published on
A demonstration was held in Geneva on Sunday calling for an immediate end to the war in Ukraine. Around 50 Russians took part in the gathering outside the UN building.
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
Most restaurants are open but 90% expect financial losses
This content was published on
More than two-thirds of restaurants have reopened since the lockdown was eased but many are struggling to survive under the restrictions.
City tourism ‘to suffer the most’ over corona crisis
This content was published on
Urban tourism in Switzerland is likely to suffer this summer, but mountainous regions should benefit as the Swiss holiday at home.
This content was published on
Switzerland Tourism 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
On June 15 Switzerland re-opened its borders with many other European states after improvements to the coronavirus situation.
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.