China is significant for the development of tourism in Switzerland

In 2015, overnight hotel stays of Chinese tourists in Switzerland increased 33.3% comparing with the last year. This makes China the 4th most important tourism source market for Switzerland and the most important market in Asia.

Due to the appreciation of Swiss francs against euro in 2015, the number of European tourists in Switzerland decreased by 1.2 million in 2015, which posed a potential threat for the tourism in Switzerland as a great proportion of its tourists come from other European countries. However, Asian countries could become a substitute for the lost European tourists. Especially China now plays an important part in contributing to the development of the Swiss tourism.

In 2015, the overnight stays of Chinese tourists reached a record high of 1,378,434, making China the 4th most important source market for Swiss tourism after Germany, United States and United Kingdom. For now, Chinese tourists still prefer to travel to cities like Luzern, Interlaken or Zurich, where they can experience the Swiss culture and see the beautiful landscape of the country. However, with the Beijing Winter Olympics of 2022 approaching, the interest of Chinese citizens in winter sports is also rising. This also means new opportunities for Swiss tourism.

Traditionally, Chinese tourists would only go to Sweden for sightseeing and shopping. Now, with their focus shifting gradually to winter sport, Switzerland also has many opportunities to make these tourists stay longer and gain deeper experiences of the atmosphere of the country.

Source: ecns

Photo: flickr