In 2023, Swiss tourism and hotels had a great time. Places like Grindelwald and the Jungfrau region were almost always full, with beds occupied from 97 to 100 percent between May and September. This meant high prices for rooms, sometimes even higher than usual. Big cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Lucerne also had lots of visitors, even more than in the record-breaking year of 2019. But some places, especially those that usually have a lot of Swiss guests, didn’t do as well because Swiss people were traveling abroad more.
On the other hand, places that usually have more foreign visitors did really well in 2023, like the Jungfrau Region. There was also a big increase in visitors from Southeast Asia, like South Korea and Thailand, and from the USA. These are new, growing markets for Swiss tourism.
Travel agencies confirm with their studies that the Swiss average will increasingly travel to the sea again in 2023.
It’s good news that more and more people worldwide are able to travel again, and it’s becoming a normal thing to do. But in some places, there’s a risk of too many tourists causing problems. Nowadays, traveling isn’t just for the wealthy, it’s something many people see as necessary, especially young folks. Studies show that lots of people want to travel, and Europe and Switzerland are popular destinations, especially for people from Asia and America. It’s great that more people are interested in traveling in a way that’s good for the environment, although it’s not always easy. Hotels are starting to focus on being environmentally friendly, which is something guests want.
According to travel agencies, more Swiss people are planning to visit seaside destinations like Italy, Spain, and southern France in 2023. City breaks are also a hit, especially for weekend getaways. Places like Paris, Rome, Vienna, and London remain popular choices. However, Swiss cities are also seeing a rise in leisure travelers. Zurich, for example, is experiencing a significant increase in visitors. This shows that people are discovering new destinations beyond the usual favorites like London or Paris.
Experts predict that the worldwide increase in travel will continue into 2024. Just like in 2023, many people will choose to vacation in warm southern European countries. Beach holidays along the Mediterranean coast will still be popular. However, if the summer of 2024 gets very hot, experts think that cooler mountain areas might become more attractive.
In 2023, more people started to enjoy mountain vacations to escape the heat. The future of summer tourism depends a lot on global warming. Here’s a tip for planning your next trip: consider booking at the last minute to get better prices. While hotels might not like this advice, it can save you money. Look for smaller, less crowded destinations that aren’t getting a lot of media attention. Some of my favorites include Tuscany, Liguria, Ticino, Vienna, Salzburg, and southern England.
Flying is getting more complicated and time-consuming. Spending time in airports can feel like a waste, and flying itself can be stressful and uncomfortable, especially if you’re in economy class. So, if you can, consider other options besides flying. Taking the train, especially in first class, can be a great alternative. When it comes to hotels, choosing small, cozy places with a nice atmosphere is worth it. Hotels are more than just places to sleep.
Lastly, adventure travel is expected to become more popular in 2024. People want unique experiences and adventures that they can share on social media later. I believe that tourism and hotels are all about creating memories and experiences. It’s not just about being somewhere; it’s about the things you do and the memories you make…
Joubert Watts
Publicist & Partner – BlogGenre
