Switzerland Reaches New Heights

Switzerland has reached new peaks in popularity in Canada. According to tourism data from the Swiss Federal Office of Statistics, Canadian arrivals and overnights increased once more in 2018 compared to the previous year, concluding in another record year.

The latest numbers show an increase of 9,6% in Canadian arrivals in Switzerland in 2018, for a total of 126,198. The number of overnight stays was 270,959, an increase of 9,4% compared to 2017.

Commenting on the results, Pascal Prinz, director Canada for Switzerland Tourism, said: “Canadians feel rejuvenated and truly alive during their vacation in Switzerland. They enjoy exploring the unique mix of four European cultures, the Swiss Alps, quirky boutique towns and our scenic trains.”

Prinz pointed out that: “With even more direct flights from Canada in 2019, it’s easier than ever before to discover Switzerland on its own or as a perfect hub on every trip to Europe.”

The most popular destinations were the Zurich Region with 76,344, the Geneva Region with

50,982 overnights and the Valais with 24,244. With 33,6% more overnights in 2018, the Basel Region recorded the biggest growth in Canadian visits. The overall growth from Canada is mostly

in the big cities, followed by the mountain regions.

As for mountains, in 2019, Switzerland Tourism will stay on its “Back to Nature” path – with a focus on hiking. Thanks to more than 65,000 kilometers of well-marked trails, virtually every corner of Switzerland is waiting to be discovered on foot.

Go to www.switzerland.com for more.

Caption

The Basel Region recorded the biggest growth of Canadian visitors in 2018 (photo courtesy of Switzerland Tourism).