Tourism - Lake Maggiore remains a favorite tourist destination in Ticino - Tourism - Varese News

Ticino remains one of Switzerland's most attractive destinations, combining natural landscapes, cultural offerings, and a strategic geographic location. The neighboring canton also remains an attractive destination for Italian tourists. 2024 data on the canton's tourism sector recorded 1.7 million arrivals and over 4.3 million overnight stays , divided between hotels (56%) and non-hotel accommodations (44%). The latter, which is very widespread, includes campsites, vacation homes, and group accommodations.

The areas that attract the most visitors are those near the lakes : Lake Maggiore and its valleys totaled 1.1 million overnight stays , while the Lugano region stopped just under one million. The numbers were more modest for Bellinzonese and Alto Ticino (178,000) and Mendrisiotto (133,000).

The role of Italian tourists

Italy remains a key destination for Ticino tourism. In 2024, Italian guests recorded over 147,000 overnight stays , ranking second after Germany. Compared to 2019, there was a slight decline (-2,000), but the numbers confirm that Ticino remains a highly popular destination for Italian travelers, thanks to its geographic proximity, shared language, and easy transportation connections.

The most significant growth was recorded in other international markets: the United States, with 96,000 overnight stays (+24,000 compared to 2019), and the Netherlands (47,000, +11,000), not forgetting the recovery of France and the Gulf countries.

Ticino and the Italian tourist: closeness and familiarity

For Italian visitors, Ticino represents an ideal compromise: Alpine and lakeside landscapes just a few kilometers from the border, hospitality that speaks the same language, and a gastronomic tradition that combines Swiss and Italian influences. The strength of Ticino tourism, even in terms of numbers, continues to rest on this cultural and geographical proximity , making the canton a natural choice for short breaks and weekend getaways.