Switzerland’s hotel industry just pulled off something impressive. For the first time in history, they surpassed 25 million overnight stays in a single summer season. This comes straight from the latest figures released today by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Looking at the stretch from May to October 2025, Swiss hotels recorded 25.1 million overnight stays. That is a 2.6% increase over the previous record set in 2024. It actually marks the third year in a row that the Swiss hotel sector has hit a new all-time high in inbound tourism.
The FSO noted that despite the Swiss franc staying expensive, the appeal of Switzerland as a summer destination remains incredibly resilient.
Americans Lead the Inbound Tourism
International visitors accounted for 13.4 million stays, which is the best result seen in decades. Meanwhile, domestic tourists added another 11.7 million stays to the tally.
The real standout group came from the Americas, specifically the United States. American visitors alone generated 2.5 million overnight stays. That is a 3.1% rise and the highest number on record since 1985.
European tourists looking for cooler temperatures also drove up demand, with stays from Europe rising by 3.8%. On the other hand, arrivals from Gulf countries, India, and South Korea saw a decline.
Chinese tourism is showing signs of life again, climbing 11.1% compared to the summer of 2024. However, it is worth noting that overnight stays by Chinese visitors are still hovering about 42.8% below the pre-pandemic levels from 2019.
The Alps as Europe’s “Ice House”
Analysts think a big part of this boom comes down to climate trends. A study published earlier in November by the KOF Swiss Economic Institute at ETH Zurich highlighted the growing advantage of the Alpine climate during European heat waves.
The study described the Alps as increasingly acting like the "ice house of Europe," which explains why travelers from hotter regions are choosing Switzerland for their summer breaks.
It seems the combination of cool mountain air, breathtaking scenery, and solid infrastructure was enough to outweigh currency concerns for many international guests.
With three record-breaking summers now behind them, Swiss hotels and tourism industry is heading into the winter season with strong momentum. There is a growing confidence that the Swiss Alps have serious appeal year-round.
