Switzerland’s tourism industry achieved a historic milestone in 2024, with 42.8 million overnight stays, marking a 2.6% increase from the previous year.

This new record surpasses the previous high set in 2023 and confirms Switzerland’s growing appeal among global travelers. The latest figures from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) reveal that foreign demand played a crucial role in this surge, particularly from American visitors, who contributed the highest absolute growth.

Americans Lead the Travel Surge

Foreign overnight stays in Switzerland jumped 5.1% to reach 22 million, the highest level in over 50 years. This growth was primarily fueled by travelers from the United States, who generated 4.6 million overnight stays, a staggering 13.9% increase compared to 2023. More than three-quarters of overnight stays from the Americas came from U.S. tourists, solidifying their position as a dominant force in Switzerland’s tourism market.

December proved to be a particularly strong month, with foreign demand rising 10.7%, while overall increases were recorded in every month of 2024, except for April (-3.2%) and September (-1.1%).

Switzerland’s Tourism Revival: Asia Rebounds, Europe Holds Steady

While U.S. tourists led the surge, visitors from Asia also contributed to Switzerland’s growing tourism sector. Overnight stays from China and India rose sharply, with China seeing a 46.6% increase and India up by 10.6%. However, despite this growth, travel from Asian markets remains 18.4% below pre-pandemic levels, with Chinese visitor numbers still down 47.9% compared to 2019.

Meanwhile, European visitors contributed 12.2 million overnight stays, a 1.4% increase from 2023, bringing tourism levels close to pre-COVID numbers. Notable increases were recorded from France (+6.1%) and Spain (+6.0%), while demand from the United Kingdom and Belgium slightly declined.

Zurich and Geneva: Switzerland’s Hottest Destinations

Nine out of Switzerland’s thirteen major tourist regions recorded growth, with the most significant increases seen in Zurich (+4.9%) and Geneva (+6.6%). These urban hubs benefited from a mix of business travel, leisure tourism, and international events, helping drive higher occupancy rates.

Switzerland’s net room occupancy rate reached 55.1% in 2024, closely matching its all-time high of 55.2% in 2019. The Basel Region and Aargau-Solothurn saw some of the biggest gains in occupancy rates, reflecting Switzerland’s increasing attractiveness beyond traditional Alpine resorts.

A Booming Future for Swiss Tourism?

Switzerland’s record-breaking performance in 2024 highlights its enduring appeal as a top-tier global destination. The surge in American visitors, coupled with rising demand from Asia and steady European travel, suggests a strong outlook for the coming years.

With interest in nature-focused tourism, luxury experiences, and winter sports at an all-time high, Switzerland seems well-positioned to maintain its tourism boom. The question now is: will 2025 bring yet another record?