The economics ministry and parliamentary committees are examining a proposal by the national marketing organisation, Switzerland TourismExternal link, for a stimulus package worth CHF40 million ($41.3 million), according to Erik Jakob of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
“But first we have to assure the tourism industry survives [the shock] before we can invest,” Jakob told a news conference on Monday.
External Content
Never miss a top story: subscribe to our weekly newsletter now.
Demand has collapsed and bookings are on hold. The industry is expected to suffer a drop in revenue of up to 35% this year, according to SECO estimates.
So far, the government has granted the tourism sector loans and short-time work unemployment benefits. It is also considering regional promotion programmes.
Jakob said the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is not comparable to previous crises, notably the strong Swiss franc, and it could take tourism in Switzerland more than 12 months to recover.
Domestic market
He added that a campaign to promote Swiss holiday destinations would have to focus on domestic customers before it can try to attract tourists from abroad.
“It is difficult to find the right moment for the launch of a promotion drive,” he said.
Jakob said customers must first gain confidence in the health safety precautions taken by the tourism sector, including hotels, restaurants as well as transport. Efforts are underway to prepare specific measures.
The tourism industry, considered one of a key sectors for the country’s economy, produced revenue of CHF44.7 billion in 2018 – about 3% of GDP – according to the Swiss Tourism FederationExternal link.
More
More
Coronavirus: the situation in Switzerland
This content was published on
An overview of the latest Covid-related information in the Alpine nation.
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
One in five Europeans exposed to too much traffic noise
This content was published on
More than one in five Europeans are exposed to unhealthily high levels of traffic noise, according to the European Environment Agency (EEA).
New living space through densification often comes at expense of the poor
This content was published on
If demolition and new construction are carried out and tenants have to make way, low-income households are affected more often than average.
This content was published on
The ceasefire in the Iran-Israel war has visibly eased tensions on the financial markets. The SMI, Switzerland's leading stock market index, has risen above the 12,000 point mark again.
This content was published on
Geneva, which is facing several days of very hot weather, has raised its level of vigilance with regard to the risk of forest fires and is issuing an appeal for caution.
Zurich arbitration authority rules in favour of tenants of ‘Sugus Houses’
This content was published on
A conciliation authority says the terminations of 105 flat leases in the so-called "Sugus Houses" in the centre of Zurich were abusive. The tenants therefore do not have to move out - at least for the time being.
This content was published on
Visitors to Switzerland spent CHF19.6 billion ($23.9 billion) last year, a 2.2% rise compared to the previous year, the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) said on Monday.
This content was published on
Despite the current tense economic situation, Swiss consumer sentiment remains positive. The Swiss spent more money in May than the previous year, particularly on restaurant visits and leisure activities, as shown by the latest figures released by PostFinance.
This content was published on
A bear killed four sheep in the Lower Engadine region near Scuol, canton Graubünden, last week. This was the first bear attack on local livestock in four years.
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.
Read more
More
Swiss industries brace for impact of coronavirus outbreak
This content was published on
Various Swiss industries and the domestic tourism sector are preparing themselves for a downturn caused by the coronavirus epidemic.
Companies seek to cushion the economic blow of coronavirus
This content was published on
As some Swiss businesses are forced to cut back on working hours due to the coronavirus, more are requesting financial support from authorities.
Hit hard by coronavirus, Swiss hotels weigh survival options
This content was published on
With ski resorts closed and travel effectively banned, hotel bookings dropped by 90% in April, leaving the sector in a difficult position.
This content was published on
Grindelwald was the first thermal spa town in the Bernese Oberland region to open up to winter tourism at the end of the 19th century.
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.