Planned cuts threaten Swiss tourism promotion
The Swiss Tourism Federation (STV) is warning of substantial cuts to funding for the tourism sector. At the «Rendez-vous Touristique,» the federation briefed members of the Federal Parliament on the impending cuts in the relief package and their potential impact on the industry’s competitiveness.
Despite rising overnight stays, the Swiss tourism sector is facing major challenges. "The Swiss tourism sector is facing a comprehensive structural change," said STV President Nicolò Paganini in his speech at the latest "Rendez-vous Touristique". The industry is reliant on investment in order to adapt to climate change, drive forward digitalization and modernize infrastructure. The shortage of skilled workers, rising energy costs and the lack of affordable housing are also exacerbating the situation.
STV Director Philipp Niederberger emphasized the importance of key promotional instruments such as Switzerland Tourism, Innotour and the New Regional Policy (NRP). "These instruments make a significant contribution to improving the tourism offering in Switzerland, creating jobs and promoting innovation," he explained. Support for public transport, sports promotion and the reduced VAT rate for accommodation services are also crucial for the industry.
Regional development at risk
The cuts to the NRP in particular have met with resistance. Reto Bleisch, Head of the Office for Economy and Tourism of the Canton of Graubünden, emphasized the importance of these subsidies for tourism in peripheral regions: "Without the support of the NRP, many projects in Graubünden, such as the construction of tourism infrastructure or the creation of new offers, would not have been possible." The funding measures are an important lever for ensuring competitiveness and providing economic impetus - not only in the mountain regions, but also in cities and agglomerations.
Despite the proven effectiveness of the aforementioned subsidies, the planned cuts threaten to significantly impair the sustainable development of Swiss tourism. The STV therefore considers it crucial that Parliament recognizes the importance of these measures for the industry and secures funding in the long term.
