Switzerland Sets New Tourism Record with Twenty Five Million Overnight Stays in Summer

Published on December 19, 2025

Swiss hotels have achieved another record-breaking summer, with 25.1 million overnight stays recorded from May to October 2025, surpassing the previous year’s record by 2.6%. This marks the third consecutive year that the Swiss hotel industry has seen a surge in inbound tourism, underscoring the country’s status as a premier destination for international travelers.

Despite the Swiss franc remaining relatively strong, making Switzerland one of the more expensive destinations in Europe, the country’s appeal as a summer destination remains remarkably resilient. This consistent growth reflects the increasing demand for Switzerland’s natural beauty, cultural experiences, and world-class hospitality offerings.

A Strong Summer Tourism Performance

The record-breaking figures for 2025 highlight Switzerland’s continuing position as one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. Over the course of the summer months, 25.1 million overnight stays were recorded, a 2.6% increase over the previous summer, and the highest figure ever seen in the country. These numbers include both domestic and international visitors, with Americans leading the way in inbound tourism.

The Swiss Federal Statistical Office (FSO) noted that despite ongoing economic challenges, such as the high value of the Swiss franc, the demand for Swiss accommodations continues to grow. Travelers are increasingly drawn to the Swiss Alps, vibrant cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Lucerne, and renowned cultural attractions, such as the Swiss National Park and the Château de Chillon.

Inbound Tourism Leads the Way

The inbound tourism segment recorded a substantial 13.4 million overnight stays during the summer of 2025. This represents the best performance in decades, showcasing Switzerland’s appeal to international tourists. Among the international visitors, Americans were the largest group, reflecting the growing interest in Switzerland as a European getaway for North American travelers.

The increase in American tourists can be attributed to the continued promotion of Switzerland as a scenic, luxurious destination for travelers seeking outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and high-end accommodations. Popular activities include hiking in the Swiss Alps, visiting the Swiss museums, enjoying lake cruises, and exploring the charming Swiss towns known for their medieval architecture and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

In addition to the American market, Switzerland also saw a strong number of visitors from neighboring European countries, with Germany, France, and the United Kingdom contributing significantly to the rise in international overnight stays. Asian travelers, particularly from China and India, have also shown increasing interest in visiting Switzerland, attracted by its cultural heritage, clean environment, and renowned hospitality.

Domestic Tourism Shows Strong Performance

In addition to international visitors, domestic tourism in Switzerland also performed strongly. 11.7 million overnight stays were recorded by Swiss residents traveling within their own country, reflecting the growing trend of staycations and domestic tourism. Swiss residents are increasingly exploring their own country’s natural beauty, with many opting for weekend getaways in areas like the Bernese Oberland, Lake Geneva, and the Ticino region.

Switzerland’s diverse landscape, which includes mountains, lakes, forests, and historic towns, continues to attract both foreign tourists and locals alike. The country’s well-developed infrastructure, including its iconic train network, also plays a key role in facilitating easy travel across regions, encouraging Swiss residents to discover new destinations within their own borders.

Swiss Tourism’s Resilience Amid Economic Factors

The fact that Switzerland has seen record tourism numbers despite the relatively strong Swiss franc—which makes goods and services more expensive for foreign visitors—demonstrates the country’s resilience and continued appeal as a high-end tourism destination. Switzerland’s luxury offerings, world-class ski resorts, and unparalleled scenic views continue to attract tourists, even in a challenging economic environment.

The Swiss tourism sector’s resilience is also attributed to the diverse experiences it offers to visitors, from high-adventure outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, and hiking, to luxury shopping, fine dining, and cultural explorations in cities like Zurich and Geneva. Moreover, Switzerland’s year-round appeal—with summer hiking trails in the Alps, winter sports in the Swiss resorts, and festivals and events throughout the year—ensures a steady flow of tourists.

The Importance of Swiss Tourism for the Economy

Tourism remains a key pillar of Switzerland’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. The record performance in summer tourism for 2025 underscores the importance of the tourism sector in maintaining Switzerland’s economic growth. With its reputation for luxury, hospitality, and natural beauty, Switzerland is well-positioned to continue attracting travelers from around the world.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Growth of Swiss Tourism

As Switzerland continues to attract visitors from around the globe, the country’s tourism industry faces the challenge of sustaining this growth. Key priorities for the Swiss tourism sector include ensuring sustainability in its offerings, maintaining the quality of services, and diversifying its appeal to attract new markets, such as emerging tourism markets in Asia and South America.

Furthermore, with climate change affecting seasonal weather patterns, Switzerland’s tourism sector will need to adapt, ensuring that travelers continue to visit during both the summer and winter months. The country’s focus on environmental sustainability will be crucial in ensuring its tourism sector remains a leader in Europe.

Conclusion: Record-Breaking Summer for Swiss Tourism

Switzerland’s tourism industry has once again demonstrated its resilience and appeal by achieving a record-breaking 25.1 million overnight stays during the summer of 2025. With strong performances from both domestic and international tourists, including a surge in visitors from the United States, Switzerland continues to be one of Europe’s most attractive and dynamic destinations for both leisure and business travelers.