However, the government had wanted to spend only CHF220.5 million.
Economics Minister Guy Parmelin argued that the government had already increased the regular contribution from the current four-year period and that additionally, the industry was benefiting from special programmes and financial incentives, including a reduced rate of value-added tax (VAT).
The tourism industry contributes about 2.9% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and employs around 175,500 people, according to official data.
Parliament also agreed to increase to CHF30 million payments to an agency promoting innovation, cooperation and research in the field of tourism. The government had initially earmarked about CHF23 million over the next four years.
The parliamentary approval came during an ongoing debate about a package of promotion measures for Swiss industry, including a boost for the export sector.
Opponents warned against increasing government spending, while supporters argued that small and medium-sized companies in particular suffered from uncertainties over the global economy and the strong Swiss franc.
In total, the government wanted to spend just over CHF373 million on subsidies, but the parliamentary chambers have pushed the contributions to CHF390 million.
More
More
After the crowds leave: when you can be alone in the Alps
This content was published on
What’s it like to be in the mountains when the last skiers have gone home and summer hikers have yet to arrive?
What do you think Switzerland’s Alain Berset can bring to the Council of Europe?
The former interior minister is to become the first Swiss Secretary General of the Council of Europe – which issues should his five-year term focus on?
How is your country dealing with the return of stolen artifacts?
Western nations like Switzerland often have to deal with the process of recovering or returning looted artifacts which have been illegally imported. What’s the situation like in your country?
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 tourist chief warns against Europe-only strategy
This content was published on
The director of Switzerland’s tourism marketing company has dismissed criticism that the country is overrun by Asian tourists.
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 heatwave and beautiful weather last summer meant many people decided to chill out at home, according to the TCS travel barometer 2019External link, published on Monday by the Touring Club of Switzerland. Italian-speaking Ticino and Graubünden in eastern Switzerland topped the attractivity ranking, followed by Italy, which just pipped canton Valais. These destinations were followed…
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.