Switzerland’s tourism industry reached a historic milestone in 2024, recording 42.8 million overnight stays, according to the latest data from the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (FSO). This 2.6% increase from 2023 marks the highest tourism level in over five decades, largely driven by a surge in American visitors, a rebounding Asian market, and stable European demand.

U.S. Tourists Lead Switzerland’s Travel Boom

Foreign overnight stays increased by 5.1%, reaching 22 million in 2024, the highest figure in 50 years. The United States was the biggest contributor, with 4.6 million overnight stays, marking a 13.9% increase compared to 2023.

According to Switzerland Tourism, more than 75% of all overnight stays from the Americas came from U.S. travelers, confirming their dominant presence in the Swiss market.

• December 2024 saw the highest growth, with foreign overnight stays rising 10.7%.
• The only declines occurred in April (-3.2%) and September (-1.1%) due to seasonal fluctuations.

Asian Market Rebounds, European Travel Nears Pre-Pandemic Levels

While American travelers led the surge, Asian tourism also saw significant recovery:

• Chinese visitors increased by 46.6% but remained 47.9% below 2019 levels.
• Indian tourism rose by 10.6%, contributing to the steady rise of long-haul travel.

Meanwhile, European travel showed steady recovery, with 12.2 million overnight stays (+1.4% from 2023).

• France (+6.1%) and Spain (+6.0%) saw notable increases.
• The UK and Belgium experienced slight declines, reflecting ongoing economic factors affecting intra-European travel.

Zurich & Geneva: Switzerland’s Top Urban Destinations

Nine out of Switzerland’s 13 major tourist regions saw growth, with the largest increases recorded in Zurich (+4.9%) and Geneva (+6.6%).

These cities benefited from:

• Business travel growth
• Luxury tourism demand
• International events and cultural festivals

Additionally, the Basel Region and Aargau-Solothurn posted significant occupancy gains, reflecting Switzerland’s expanding appeal beyond Alpine destinations.

Switzerland’s net room occupancy rate reached 55.1%, nearly matching the all-time high of 55.2% in 2019, showing that hotels and resorts are operating at near-peak levels.

Swiss Tourism Outlook for 2025

With nature-focused tourism, luxury experiences, and winter sports booming, Switzerland remains one of the world’s top travel destinations. The continued rise in U.S. and Asian visitors, combined with strong European travel, suggests another record-breaking year in 2025.

As Switzerland continues to attract global travelers, the Swiss government and tourism board remain committed to sustainable growth, ensuring the country maintains its reputation as a premier destination for leisure, culture, and outdoor adventure.

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