Switzerland in 2020 was visited by 42 thousand Russian tourists

Switzerland in 2020 was visited by 42 thousand tourists from Russia. The fall in the flow was more than 70%, said Natalia Warth, head of Tourism National Office of Switzerland.

"According to the Federal Statistical Bureau of Switzerland, 42 193 tourists entered Switzerland from Russia in 2020, a drop was 70,2%. Russians spent 133 thousand nights in the country's hotels, which is 62,7% less than a year earlier - Zurich (minus 69,8%), Geneva (minus 70,8%), Lausanne (minus 69%), Basel (minus 70%) and Lugano (minus 72,8%)," she said.

At the most popular ski resorts of St. Moritz and Zermatt, the Russians spent 15 thousand nights, a decrease was 35%. The best months for the Russian market in 2020 were January and February. The most popular destinations among Russians, before the start of the pandemic and the closure of the borders, were Zermatt, St. Moritz, Geneva, Zurich, Lausanne and the Bad Ragaz thermal resort.

Since March 1, Switzerland begins to gradually lift the coronavirus restrictions imposed in December. Nowadays, shops, museums, outdoor entertainment and sports grounds are opened. So far, the restrictions are acting for restaurants and cafes. In addition, distance and mask requirements remain in force.