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From Bucket List to ‘IT’ list, Americans fell for Switzerland in 2023 with record numbers visiting the Alpine nation.
Washington, DC, April 5, 2024 – Great news for those in the Washington, DC area looking to travel to Switzerland, throughout Europe and beyond: This past week, SWISS launched daily flights to Washington DC from Zurich, and with this, continues to expand its route network throughout North America.
The year 2023 marked an impressive comeback for the Swiss tourism sector. American travelers have generated over 3 million overnight stays in Swiss hotels, spending an average of 310 USD per person and day. This boom underscores the United States’ position as Switzerland’s most important long-haul market, second only to neighboring Germany.
Despite challenges such as inflation and a strong Swiss Franc, Switzerland continues to confirm itself as a “Bucket-List” destination for Americans.
Americans particularly appreciate the safety, the central location in Europe, and the opportunity to experience Switzerland as part of a European tour. The most successful months continue to be the summer months, from June to September. The consistently pleasant autumn temperatures, improved hotel availability, and tourist attractions make autumn an attractive travel season. Winter tourism is also experiencing growth, driven by the popularity of destinations such as Zermatt and now St. Moritz offered within the Ikon Pass and Andermatt, Verbier and Crans-Montana (24/25 season) with the Epic Pass.
The significant increase in sales of the Swiss Travel Pass by over 190% from American guests compared to 2019 also highlights the interest in the train experience in Switzerland, especially for panoramic trains, underscoring the importance of the public transport network in Switzerland.
For 2024, a positive trend is emerging, particularly supported by the addition of extra direct flight connections by SWISS International Airlines from Washington, DC to Zurich and between Tampa and Zurich with Edelweiss.
During the press conference held in Washington, DC on April 4, SWISS International Airlines CEO, Dieter Vranckx explained “This new SWISS route is a significant step for the Lufthansa Group in that finally all four of our network passenger airlines, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa and SWISS, now serve the capital of the United States, making Washington Dulles only the second US gateway to offer customers flights to all five Lufthansa Group hubs,”
Meanwhile, Claudio Zemp, Director Americas at Switzerland Tourism, highlighted the success of Switzerland as a destination among Americans “I’m delighted that with Swiss International Air Lines, we have a partner dedicated to serving the US and their new flight connection between Washington, DC and Zurich will allow us to welcome even more guests in 2024.”
Once people step off that plane, Switzerland’s allure is what picture postcards are made of. In a survey conducted by Switzerland Tourism*, American travelers state that they are attracted by the easily accessible mountain excursions, pristine landscapes, lakes, and scenic train journeys.
At the same time, Americans seek destinations that offer premier shopping experiences, luxurious accommodations, and impeccable service tailored to their discerning tastes.
4 out of the top 5 destinations for American guests are cities. Topping the list are the wonderful Zurich and Geneva.
With direct air connections from the US provided by SWISS International Airlines, both cities are the ideal start to your vacation, offering picturesque old towns and relaxing lakeside activities. Furthermore, their constant striving to innovate themselves is what sets them apart.
From left to right: Tal Muscal, Director of Communications – The Americas Lufthansa Group, Dirk Janzen, Vice President Passenger Sales, The Americas, for Lufthansa Group Airlines, Dieter Vranckx, CEO Swiss International Airlines, Léa Wertheimer, Head of Corporate Communications Swiss International Airlines, Claudio Zemp, Director Americas Switzerland Tourism, Divine Bonga, Head of Media & Communications North America Switzerland Tourism
For a full overview of Switzerland Tourism summer news, see our media corner here
New service from Washington, D.C to New York with Swiss International Airlines.
| Route | Flight number | Flight days | Departure – Arrival (local times) |
| Washington DC – Zurich | LX 73 | Daily | 8:45pm-10:50am |
| Zurich – Washington DC | LX 72 | Daily | 12:55pm-4:15pm |
More flights from the USA with Edelweiss Air.
Edelweiss is expanding its long-haul flights from North America to Zurich (ZRH) in summer 2024. As of Summer 2024 travelers from Tampa (TPA) will be able to fly four times a week to Zurich served throughout the year. While Las Vegas (LAS) will benefit from up to four weekly flights. Find more information here.
For media inquiries, please contact
Divine Bonga
Head of Media & Communications
608 Fifth Avenue, 603 Suite
divine.bonga@switzerland.com
Phone: 646 760 08 35
Information about our Trade activities in North America can be found here