Swiss Hotel Industry Achieves Record-Breaking Winter Season

The Swiss hotel industry has achieved an unprecedented milestone in the winter season of 2024/2025, recording an exceptional 18.5 million overnight stays between November and April. This remarkable achievement represents a significant growth of 2.8%, translating to an additional 479,000 overnight stays compared to the previous winter season. The record-breaking performance demonstrates the robust recovery and growing strength of Switzerland's tourism sector, positioning the country as a premier destination for both leisure and business travelers.

While traditional mountain destinations experienced modest growth, urban regions emerged as the driving force behind this winter's success. Major cities demonstrated remarkable growth rates, with Basel leading at +9.9%, followed by Zurich at +5.4%, and Geneva at +4.2%. This trend highlights a shift in tourist preferences and the growing appeal of Switzerland's urban centers as year-round destinations. The strong performance in cities reflects a healthy mix of business travel, cultural tourism, and urban leisure activities.

The record-breaking season was marked by strong performance in both domestic and international markets. Swiss residents contributed significantly with 9.3 million overnight stays, setting a new domestic tourism record. International visitors were not far behind, booking 9.2 million stays - the highest figure in 17 years. This balanced distribution between domestic and international guests demonstrates Switzerland's appeal to both local and foreign travelers, while also highlighting the industry's resilience and broad-based growth.

Monthly performance throughout the winter season showed varying patterns, with December recording a remarkable 7.0% increase in overnight stays. While February experienced a slight decline of 2.8%, March rebounded with a modest 0.3% growth. The season concluded strongly with April showing a 4.4% increase, reaching 2.9 million overnight stays. These fluctuations reflect the dynamic nature of the tourism industry and suggest a resilient sector capable of maintaining strong performance despite monthly variations.