UAE visitors to Switzerland up more...

Visitors from the UAE are no longer required to provide a vaccine certificate or negative PCR test result to enter Switzerland

According to the latest figures released by Switzerland Tourism, UAE residents staying overnight in Switzerland have surpassed pre-pandemic numbers.

Comparing figures between July to December 2021 with the same period in 2019, the number of bed-nights recorded increased 20.8% from 188,384 to 227,482.

The number of UAE arrivals also grew from 75,084 to 85,632 during the same period in 2019 versus 2021.

Commenting on the news, Switzerland Tourism GCC director Matthias Albrecht said: “These are extraordinary figures that underscore the popularity of Switzerland with Emirati nationals and residents. From the moment that UAE residents were allowed to travel to Switzerland [28 June 2021] we have seen a significant increase in the volume of visitors and the length of stay has also grown from an average of 2.5 nights per visit to 2.66.”

The increase in numbers is supported by a recent survey conducted by YouGov, which in its 2022 Travel and Tourism Brand and Destination Rankings Report, highlighted Switzerland as the top ranked overseas destination for UAE residents.

YouGov’s index gave Switzerland a positive impression score of 31.6, a year-on-year increase of 18%, ahead of Singapore (30.9), Canada (28.6) and the Maldives (27.6).

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Last month the Swiss federal government announced an easing of regulations for UAE travellers entering the country. Albrecht commented: “With regulations eased, masks and Covid certificates are not needed when entering shops, restaurants, cultural venues, and other public settings and events. UAE visitors can now enjoy the endless attractions Switzerland has to offer, from natural scenery and outdoor pursuits to delicious local cuisine and immersive cultural experiences.”

In the 2022 summer season, Switzerland Tourism is planning an extensive marketing campaign, which will focus on sustainability, under the name ‘Swisstainable’

Travellers today care about the environment. According to a Booking.com 2021 global survey, 83% of the 29,000 respondents said that sustainable travel was essential to them, with 61% adding that the Covid-19 pandemic had actually heightened their interest in travelling sustainably.

As well as providing a simple guide for visitors, the ‘Swisstainable’ programme also encourages the industry as a whole to get involved and reduce its impact on the climate.

For more information, visit www.myswitzerland.com/en-se/planning/about-switzerland/sustainability