Each Swiss resident went on 3.3 overnight trips on average last year, compared to 2.8 five years ago, according to figures released on Thursday by the Federal Statistical Office.
According to the reportExternal link, the average number of trips per person rose by 10% from 2016 to 2017, with a significant increase among women, who now take as many trips as men.
Overall, in 2017 nine out of ten Swiss took at least one journey with an overnight stay, for a total of 24.9 million such trips. Of those, a third were within Switzerland, while 40% took travellers to neighbouring countries. France was the most popular destination with over three million trips – a 68% increase over 2016. Italy and Germany followed with 2.9 and 2.8 million trips, respectively.
Some 70% of those travelling within Switzerland prefer to drive. For those going abroad, the car and the plane are equally popular. Just 25% of Swiss use public transport when taking a holiday trip in Switzerland, and the figure drops to 10% for trips across the border.
Over half of Swiss say their travels are for holidays and relaxation. One-third travel to visit friends or relatives, while just 6% travel for professional reasons.
While an overnight trip within Switzerland cost an average of CHF146 ($148) per day in 2016, the figure was down to CHF139 in 2017. However, at CHF152 per day, trips abroad last year cost eight francs more than they did in 2016.
In addition to overnight travel, the Swiss also take on average ten day-trips every year, mostly within Switzerland.
Young undocumented migrants gain easier access to vocational training
This content was published on
Rejected asylum-seekers and young undocumented migrants in Switzerland will have easier access to basic vocational training from June 1.
Migration: Swiss government wants to shorten reunification period for families
This content was published on
Family members of people temporarily admitted to Switzerland should in future be able to join them after two years instead of three.
This content was published on
2023 was a record year for the Rhaetian Railway in several respects. Never before has the narrow-gauge railway in Graubünden, eastern Switzerland, transported so many passengers and cars.
Swiss CFOs much more optimistic despite global uncertainty
This content was published on
The main concerns of business leaders in Switzerland are geopolitical uncertainty and the important trading partners Germany and China.
Record organ donation in Switzerland despite high rejection rates
This content was published on
More organ donations were recorded in Switzerland in 2023 than ever before. This was despite a high rejection rate of 58% by surviving relatives.
This content was published on
Seven years after the death of record-breaking Swiss mountain climber Ueli Steck, his estate is going to the Alpine Museum of Switzerland in Bern.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.