Swiss and foreign tourists are paying more and more for their holidays

In 2024, the Swiss continued to burn their credit cards while on vacation. According to figures from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), Swiss residents spent 18.9 billion francs abroad, 7.8% more than in 2023. This increase outpaced the revenue generated by foreign tourists in Switzerland, which rose 2.2% to 19.6 billion. Switzerland therefore remains profitable on its tourism balance, even if its surplus decreases compared to 2023 to reach 720 million francs.

Overnight stays by foreign visitors increased in both the hotel and non-hotel sectors, as did study and hospital stays. Overall, this resulted in a 3.6% increase in revenue. However, non-overnight stays—such as day trips—decreased slightly (-0.3%).

On the Swiss side, overnight stays abroad cost 13.2 billion francs, representing nearly 70% of total tourism spending. Shopping tourism, without overnight stays, also saw strong growth: +9.4%, for a total of 5.7 billion francs.