Swiss travel industry in crisis mode: what happens next?

Swiss travel industry in crisis mode: what happens next?

The travel industry in Switzerland will face a variety of challenges in 2025, while at the same time recognizing opportunities in the current situation. Current reporting shows that the industry is often the first to feel crises, but at the same time proves to be resilient to geopolitical tensions, tariffs and uncertainties in flight operations. Nevertheless, many actors question the sustainability of this positive turnaround. Dealing with increasing uncertainty and changes in the way we travel are key topics currently being discussed.

In “Eco Talk” on SRF 1, which is available tonight at 6 p.m. on Play SRF and will be broadcast on SRF 1 at 10:25 p.m., André Lüthi, CEO of Globetrotter, and Karim Twerenbold, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Twerenbold Reisen Group, will talk about the situation in the Swiss travel market. This discussion provides a valuable opportunity to gain insights into the industry's current challenges and prospects.

Opportunities and risks 2025

Like the industry evaluation of ferry-online.ch shows, expectations within the industry are mixed. A TRAVEL INSIDE survey found that 18% of respondents expect business to decline, while 51% predict stagnation and 31% expect growth. The key challenge that many travel companies have identified for 2025 is geopolitical developments, economic uncertainties and changing customer needs.

The survey highlights that 32% of participants see geopolitical developments as the biggest challenge, followed by 22% regarding economic uncertainties. Competitive pressure and the shortage of skilled workers are also seen as important female factors.

Strategies to overcome the challenges

In order to respond to the problems mentioned, many Swiss travel companies are planning investments in various strategic areas. 23% of respondents intend to expand their digital technologies. In addition, 18% want to invest in the further training of their employees in order to meet the challenges of the industry. New partnerships and collaborations are also on the agenda: 14% are looking to expand their network.

• 23%: Ausbau digitaler Tools
• 18%: Investitionen in Mitarbeiter-Weiterbildung
• 14%: Neue Partnerschaften und Kooperationen
• 13%: Intensivierung von Marketing und Social Media
• 8%: Planung nachhaltiger Reiseoptionen
• 5%: Einführung neuer Produkte
• 19%: Keine speziellen Maßnahmen vorgesehen

In particular, the focus on sustainability and innovation is seen as the key to adapting to changing market conditions. Despite the challenges, the industry remains optimistic and flexible in order to meet future requirements and at the same time maintain competitiveness.