Overnight stays in Switzerland fall in the first half-year

Swiss tourism has slowed after years of record growth. In the first half of 2026 overnight stays came to 20.3 million, 0.7% fewer than in the same period of 2025.

Data released by the Federal Statistical Office indicate that the decline stems from foreign guests. Their overnight stays fell by 2% to 10.2 million. Domestic demand, by contrast, held up with growth of 0.7% to 10.1 million.

June and the regions

In June overnight stays came to 4.1 million, down 2.2% year on year. International visitors fell by 4.4% to 2.2 million, while Swiss guests rose by 0.4% to 1.9 million.

The regional picture for the month shows differing trends. Ticino recorded 280,100 overnight stays, a fall of 2.1%. Grisons grew by 3.8% to reach 403,900. Central Switzerland lost 4.8%, stopping at 424,400. Bern fell 3.6% to 635,500 and Zurich 3.1% to 704,500.

The comparison between the two cantons south of the Alps deserves attention. In the same month Grisons gained ground while Ticino lost it, a signal that concerns the composition of the offering more than general market conditions.

Some source markets are growing strongly. India records a rise of 32.7% and the Gulf countries 29.2%. Among nearby markets, France grows by 3.7% and Italy by 1.5%. The United States remains stable at 0.3%.

In the opposite direction China records the sharpest fall, at 7.1%. Germany follows with 2.2% and the United Kingdom with 1.7%.

The weight of the declining markets explains the overall result. Germany and the United Kingdom bring large volumes, and their reduction counts for more than the percentage growth of distant markets can offset.