A recent government report shows Swiss residents spent 22.4 million nights away from home in 2016. Two thirds of these nights were spent in six countries.
Prime travel age © Nadezhda1906 | Dreamstime
By far the favourite destination was Switzerland, which accounted for 33% of all overnight stays. Next were Germany (13%), Italy (12%), France (9%) and Austria (4%). A long list of other european countries accounted for a further 20% of nights away. Trips beyond Europe made up less than 8% of the total.
The average number of nights in a strange bed was slightly under 3. Men (3.1) stayed away slightly longer than women (2.8), 25-44 years olds (3.4) stayed away the most, followed by 45-65 year olds (3.2). Those over 65 were away the least (2.1). Swiss Germans (3.0) were away longer than French (2.9) and Italian speakers (2.6).
In Switzerland a night away cost an average of CHF 177. One abroad cost CHF 263. This difference was down to travel costs. An average night in a Swiss hotel was CHF 234 compared to CHF 216 abroad, but getting to a hotel abroad cost more.
Overall, 91% of Swiss residents got away in 2016. Across age groups, those 6-14 were away the most (98%) and those over 65 the least (77%). People in Zurich lived out of their suitcases the most (92%) and those from Ticino the least (84%). More city folk packed their bags (92%) than rural residents (89%).
Being single increased the chances of getting away (95%) compared to being married (91%). Getting unmarried didn’t help however. Only 84% of divorcees had at least one night away.
More on this:
Swiss tourism report (in French) – Take a 5 minute French test now
For more stories like this on Switzerland follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
