Austrian resorts outperform Swiss

The Swiss resorts of Lucerne, Engelberg and Zermatt were among the top ten performing destinations in the European alpine region in 2010, a study has found.

The Austrian resort of Grossarltal was the most successful year-round resort due to high numbers of overnight stays and a “remarkable” use of its services, according to the BAK TOPindex of competitiveness and performance compiled by the BAK Basel Economics organisation.

Lucerne was the top Swiss destination, rising to fifth place from 11th in 2009. It was also ranked the best summer destination overall for its “excellent” use of infrastructure resulting in more overnight stays and high profits. Engelberg also did well in summer rankings, slotting in at fourth. Nearly half its summertime visitors were Asian tourists.

Austrian resorts performed best in winter, dominating the top seven places. First-ranked Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis reached high capacity and was noted for its superior accommodation, particularly for families. Lechs-Zürs came second and Grossarltal was third.

Zermatt was 13th – the only Swiss resort in the winter top 15 – trading on its strong international reputation and high profits.

Elsewhere in Switzerland in the year-round rankings, Engelberg rose year on year from 20th to ninth place, Zermatt fell from sixth to tenth and Scuol stayed at 12th.

The BAK TOPindex compares 150 European destinations situated within the European Alps.