Good snow conditions helped – among other reasons – to boost tourism in Switzerland this winter, as foreign tourists flocked in larger numbers to the Alpine nation. US visitors accounted for 685,836 overnight stays*, a growth of 5.3% from November to April compared to the same time frame in 2016/17. These numbers support a positive trend of U.S. visits to Switzerland that has been developing over the past eight years.

“The most recent increase is mainly a result of additional itineraries during the traditional off-season, such as Christmas-market themed river cruises, and a renewed interest in Switzerland as a winter destination, be it to enjoy winter sports or the cozy Swiss winter wonderland”, says Alex Herrmann, Director North America of Switzerland Tourism.

The coming winter season brings Switzerland highlights like a starring role in the Warren Miller movie “Face of Winter”, which was partly shot in Crans-Montana and Engelberg. It will tour through North American movie theaters as of October. And we will put a spotlight on Swiss ski-in ski-out hotels, which make the winter adventure start in front of their doorsteps.

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Source: Tourism data from the Swiss Federal Office of Statistics. Overnights at vacation homes or other kinds of accommodation, and visits with friends and family are not included.

*Note: Only overnights in Swiss hotels and Youth Hostels; vacation homes, other kinds of accommodation and visits with friends and family are not included.

Questions: Please visit www.myswitzerland.com or contact Alex Herrmann, Director North America, at alex.herrmann@switzerland.com

About Switzerland Tourism

Switzerland Tourism is the official National Tourist Office of Switzerland with representations in 30 countries around the world with the goal of promoting Switzerland as a travel, vacation and convention destination. In North America, Switzerland Tourism operates offices in New York,
San Francisco and Toronto.