Published on
September 20, 2025
Switzerland unites with Canada, South Korea, Hungary, Denmark, France, Japan, and more in achieving record-breaking hotel industry growth during the winter season of 2024–2025, surpassing previous benchmarks across key metrics due to a significant 2.8% increase in overnight stays and a remarkable surge in international demand. This outstanding performance highlights Switzerland’s continued appeal as a premier tourist destination, supported by strong growth in both domestic and foreign markets, and positions the country as a global leader in the hospitality sector.
The winter season of 2024–2025 has been a pivotal period for the global hotel industry, with several countries reporting outstanding performance and breaking records previously thought unachievable. Switzerland, standing alongside Canada, South Korea, Hungary, Denmark, France, Japan, Mexico, and more has achieved remarkable growth across key metrics, surpassing past benchmarks. With record-breaking overnight stays, substantial increases in international and domestic demand, and positive tourism spending trends, the Swiss hotel sector has firmly positioned itself as a global leader in the tourism and hospitality landscape.
This comprehensive report takes a closer look at Switzerland’s extraordinary performance in the 2024–2025 winter season, while also exploring the growth trends witnessed across other key global markets. With increased international travel, improved economic conditions, and strategic investments in infrastructure, the global hotel industry has shown remarkable resilience and growth following the challenges of the pandemic.
Switzerland’s Record-Breaking Hotel Performance
Switzerland’s hotel industry has witnessed unparalleled success during the winter season of 2024–2025, recording a total of 18.5 million overnight stays. This marks the highest number of overnight stays ever recorded during this period, as the country’s tourism sector continues to recover and thrive. The growth of 2.8% compared to the same period last year represents an additional 497,000 overnight stays, signifying a significant uptick in demand.
Total Overnight Stays: 18.5 millionGrowth from Last Year: +2.8% (+497,000 stays)Foreign Demand: 9.2 million overnight stays (+5.5% or +478,000 stays)Domestic Demand: 9.3 million overnight stays (+0.2% or +20,000 stays)Domestic Demand:
Swiss residents contributed to 9.3 million of the total overnight stays. While this represents a modest increase of 0.2% compared to the previous year, it is noteworthy for exceeding the historical record of last year, demonstrating the continued importance of domestic tourism in Switzerland’s recovery.
International Demand:
International visitors played a major role in the overall growth, with a significant 5.5% increase in foreign demand. This translated into 9.2 million overnight stays, which is the highest level seen since the 2007/2008 winter season. The increase in international arrivals reflects Switzerland’s continued status as a prime destination for global travelers.
Tourism Spending Trends in Switzerland
Alongside the growth in overnight stays, tourism spending has also continued to show positive momentum both within Switzerland and abroad. Provisional data from the Swiss Federal Statistical Office highlights that Swiss residents’ travel spending abroad grew by a significant 7.8%, outpacing the 2.2% increase in income generated by foreign visitors in Switzerland. This shift in spending behavior points to a growing desire among Swiss residents to explore international destinations.
Spending by Swiss Residents Traveling Abroad: +7.8%Income from Foreign Visitors to Switzerland: +2.2%
These figures suggest that while Switzerland continues to attract foreign tourists, there has been a marked increase in Swiss citizens traveling internationally, boosting the global tourism economy.
Business Closures and Economic Landscape
Despite the stellar performance in the tourism and hospitality sector, 2024 also saw an increase in business closures across Switzerland. According to a Bisnode survey, 4,813 companies closed their doors in 2024, reflecting a 2% year-on-year increase. These closures were most pronounced in the construction and catering sectors, which have faced challenges ranging from economic pressures to changing consumer behavior.
Total Business Closures: 4,813 companies (2% increase)Affected Sectors: Construction and catering industries
Regional variations were significant, with certain cantons experiencing particularly high closure rates. For instance, Appenzell Innerrhoden saw a 67% increase in closures, while regions like Schaffhausen (+29%) and Neuchâtel (+36%) also faced notable declines in business activity. Despite this, Switzerland’s tourism sector has demonstrated resilience, with the hotel industry seeing robust growth even as other sectors struggle.
Switzerland’s Top Position in Global Competitiveness Rankings
In 2025, Switzerland claimed the top spot in the global competitiveness rankings, surpassing powerhouse economies like Singapore and Hong Kong. The rankings, compiled by the IMD World Competitiveness Center, reflect Switzerland’s robust economic performance, government efficiency, and business infrastructure.
Global Competitiveness Ranking: #1Surpassed Competitors: Singapore (#2), Hong Kong (#3)
Key factors contributing to Switzerland’s competitiveness include its stable political environment, efficient public sector, and world-class infrastructure. The top ranking further solidifies Switzerland’s position as a global leader in not only hospitality but also in attracting business investment and maintaining economic growth.
Global Hotel Industry Growth: Switzerland Among the Top Performers
Switzerland’s hotel industry has not been the only one to report strong performance. Many other countries have also experienced record-breaking growth in the 2024–2025 winter season. Switzerland’s achievements are part of a broader global trend in which several countries are reporting impressive increases in hotel metrics like RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room), ADR (Average Daily Rate), and occupancy rates.
Canada’s Strong Growth
Canada’s hotel industry achieved its highest growth rates in 2025, reporting a significant increase in occupancy and revenue metrics.
Occupancy Increase: 1.9% to 70.2%ADR Increase: 3.3% to CAD 213.57RevPAR Increase: 5.3% to CAD 149.96
This growth was primarily driven by strong demand in major markets like Manitoba and Calgary, with tourism boosted by local events and increased international travel.
South Korea’s Luxury Market Success
South Korea’s hotel sector demonstrated impressive growth, particularly in luxury and upper-upscale segments, where RevPAR was 70% higher than pre-pandemic levels.
RevPAR Growth: 70% higher than pre-pandemic levelsKey Markets: Increased international visitors from China and Japan
The country’s strong tourism infrastructure and transparent investment climate have contributed to its success in the hospitality sector.
Mexico’s Impressive RevPAR Growth
Mexico reported the highest global growth in RevPAR in 2024, with a 10.2% year-over-year increase.
RevPAR Growth: +10.2% year-over-yearInternational Visitor Arrivals: +19.3% in 2022
This growth was fueled by a surge in international tourism, especially from the U.S., positioning Mexico as a top-performing destination in North America.
France and Other European Markets
France also reported strong growth, with RevPAR increasing by 1.9%, driven by a rise in ADR of 2.4%. Other European countries like Latvia, Greece, and Poland saw significant gains in hotel performance.
Latvia: 17.9% increase in RevPARGreece: 14.9% increase in RevPARPoland: 13.2% increase in RevPAR
These increases were largely attributed to favorable exchange rates, international tourism, and major global events such as the Champions League final.
Japan: Setting New Records
Japan’s hotel industry achieved record-breaking performance in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels with 36.9 million international arrivals, contributing to a significant increase in ADR and tourist spending.
International Arrivals: 36.9 million (record high)ADR in Tokyo: ¥26,000 (12.6% YoY increase)Tourist Spending: ¥8.14 trillion ($56 billion)
Switzerland’s exceptional performance in the winter season of 2024–2025, alongside other countries like Canada, South Korea, and Japan, signals a global recovery and growth in the hotel industry. With increased international demand, strong domestic tourism, and favorable economic conditions, the global hospitality market is set to continue its upward trajectory.
Switzerland unites with Canada, South Korea, Hungary, Denmark, France, Japan, and more in achieving record-breaking hotel industry growth during the winter season of 2024–2025, driven by a 2.8% increase in overnight stays and a significant rise in international demand. This growth underscores Switzerland’s strong position as a leading global destination for tourism.
Switzerland, in particular, has proven to be a leader in the industry, with record-breaking overnight stays, impressive tourism spending growth, and top rankings in global competitiveness. As the hotel sector continues to rebound, Switzerland’s position as a top destination for global travelers is only expected to strengthen in the coming years.
