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Swiss tourism chiefs urge residents to have staycations this summer

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Swiss tourism chiefs urge residents to have staycations this summer
Switzerland's public is urged to remain the country this season, visiting local destinations like this one around Lake Geneva. Photo by AFP

Swiss tourism bodies are urging residents to spend their summer holidays in the country to help the sector rebound from the losses it suffered during the Covid-19 crisis.

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According to Tourism Observatory, Swiss tourism lost nearly 9 billion francs in revenue since the beginning of the pandemic in mid-March.

But now that the confinement has been lifted and the public can travel freely again, tourism officials are hoping that Switzerland’s population will opt to stay in the country.

The official tourism board, Switzerland Tourism, has launched two major campaigns to entice residents to choose ‘staycations’ over foreign travel.

One is called ‘We need Switzerland’, and focuses on the diversity of the country’s landscape. 

The other, ‘Clean and Safe’ emphasises Switzerland’s reputation for cleanliness and safety, which are primary concerns among the public after the health crisis, and could be a strong selling point.

The campaign outlines all the safety and hygiene measures implemented by the country’s hotel, wellness, and restaurant sectors, as well as general tourism infrastructure. 

But that’s not all. Given that almost each canton’s economy relies on tourist revenue, “regions are engaged in fierce competition to convince us to stay in the country”, according to a report by the RTS television.

Switzerland’s population “had never been so courted in their own country”, the RTS added.

READ MORE: Five hidden gems to visit in Switzerland as soon as you can 

Here is an overview of the special deals some cantons and regions are offering tourists:

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Ticino, which is one of Switzerland’s most popular destinations, is offering a 20-percent discount on several resort hotels throughout the canton, as well as special package deals in lakeside, mountain, and city locations. 

Valais also launched special deals, which include the tour of the St-Bernard region, as well as several packages for the famed Aletsch glacier. 

Graubünden / Grisons is offering special deals in several of its regions, including the famed Engadin-St. Moritz and Davos-Klosters areas. 

The Bernese Oberland region has several offers for some of its most famous sites, including the Jungfraujoch mountain and Interlakern. 

Vaud has launched prepaid cards worth 100 francs each, which will be offered from July 1 to guests who have booked two or more hotel nights in the canton. 

Central Switzerland: The Lucern region has several interesting offers as well, extending into neighbouring cantons of Obwalden, Nidwalden, Uri, and Schwyz. 

And for those who prefer urban rather than country and mountain environment, Switzerland’s biggest cities also offer special deals: Zurich, Geneva, and Basel.

 

 


 

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