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?
Is reforming the Swiss pension system still possible, and if so, how?
Solutions still need to be found to meet the challenge of an ageing population and to improve the pensions of low-paid workers, the majority of whom are women.
New European space tech centre in Switzerland launches its first project
This content was published on
The European Space Deep-Tech Innovation Centre (ESDI), launched in collaboration with the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), is to be located in the immediate vicinity of the PSI in northern Switzerland.
Swiss Federal Railways launches campaign for safety on public transport
This content was published on
The Swiss Federal Railways is launching a campaign for greater respect and safety on public transport, with posters to go up in stations and on trains starting next week.
Swiss scientists to use AI for improved weather and climate forecasts
This content was published on
MeteoSwiss and the Swiss Data Science Center have signed a four-year agreement to make greater use of AI in meteorology and climatology going forward.
This content was published on
Prices of owner-occupied homes rose in the third quarter of 2024 by 0.5%, with inflation affecting both apartments and single-family houses, says the Federal Statistical Office.
This content was published on
The honey harvest is projected to be lower than usual this year, as Swiss beekeepers report harvesting an average of just 16kg of honey per bee colony.
More young refugees in Switzerland following vocational training
This content was published on
More than half of young refugees and temporarily admitted persons between the ages of 16 and 25 are now in training. This is significantly more than five years ago.
One in five Swiss children suffers psychological abuse at home
This content was published on
In Switzerland, one in five children suffers psychological violence, and one in three has witnessed psychological violence between parents, says the association Kinderschutz Schweiz.
Swiss government minister breaks silence over Trump remarks controversy
This content was published on
Transport Minister Albert Rösti explained himself in a television interview on Sunday evening, after being called out for expressing support for Donald Trump.
Swiss Covid expert calls for caution on vaccination recommendations
This content was published on
The head of the vaccination commission would be “even more cautious today” when it comes to Covid-19 vaccination recommendations.
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.