ZURICH – The number of Europeans visiting Switzerland fell again in January because of the strong Swiss franc and sluggish economies in the region, data from the Federal Statistics Office showed Wednesday.
The Alpine country continues, however, to be a more attractive destination for Asian tourists, with the number of Chinese visitors more than doubling from year-earlier levels.
The total number of foreign guests staying overnight in Swiss hotels fell 8.4% in January from a year earlier, with 14% fewer visitors from Europe; of this total, the number of Germans–the most important global target market for Swiss hoteliers–slid 21%, the statistics office said.
Switzerland is traditionally a popular holiday destination for Europeans, particularly for skiing and hiking, but the Swiss currency’s surge to near parity with the euro in August last year has made it increasingly expensive for average-income families.
Switzerland’s tourism industry has received government financial backing as it tries to offset its image as an increasingly pricey holiday destination, but the winter season is likely to be difficult for hotels and restaurants, the BAKBasel economic institute said last year.
Still, many Alpine winter locations are now reporting ideal weather and snow conditions for skiers, which may alleviate some of the drop-off in business associated with the strong franc
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