Swiss hotels experienced an unprecedented surge in demand in 2024, surpassing previous records for overnight stays. This growth was largely driven by an increase in foreign visitors.
According to data released by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) on Thursday, the total number of overnight stays rose by 2.6% compared to the previous year, reaching 42.8 million. This marks a new milestone, exceeding the 41.8 million recorded in 2023.
Continued growth in tourism
The upward trend was evident throughout the year, with record-breaking figures recorded during both the 2023/24 winter season and the 2024 summer season. December, in particular, saw a significant boost in bookings, rising by 7% compared to the previous year. Despite overall growth, April (-3.2%) and September (-1.1%) were the only months to register a decline.
Foreign visitors drive the increase
The surge in overnight stays was primarily fueled by international tourists, whose numbers climbed by 5.1% to 22 million—the highest level in five decades.
While demand from European travelers was affected by the strong Swiss franc and economic uncertainties, long-haul markets played a crucial role in sustaining growth. Visitors from the United States made up the majority of foreign tourists, with their presence becoming increasingly significant, particularly during the winter season.
Domestic demand holds steady
In contrast, domestic tourism remained stable, with Swiss residents accounting for 20.9 million overnight stays—virtually unchanged from the previous year, with a marginal increase of 0.1%.
As Switzerland continues to attract global visitors, the hospitality sector is set to benefit from sustained demand, even as concerns over mass tourism and infrastructure challenges grow in certain regions. Photo by Roland Zumbühl, Wikimedia commons.