Visitors to Switzerland spent CHF19.6 billion ($23.9 billion) last year, a 2.2% rise compared to the previous year, the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) said on Monday. + Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox Meanwhile, spending by Swiss visitors abroad rose by even more (7.8%) to CHF18.9 billion. The so-called "tourism balance" of expenditure remains positive CHF720 million, the FSO notes, but the surplus has decreased significantly. It stood at CHF1.7 billion the previous year. Higher guest numbers The growth in spending by foreign tourists in Switzerland is explained by the rising number of guests last year. There was a notable increase in overnight stays in hotels and apartments (+3.8%). Income from study and hospital stays also increased (+3.0%), according to the FSO. But spending by day visitors to Switzerland declined slightly. For Swiss visitors abroad, the amount spent during short trips with overnight stays increased (+7.2%). Spending by day visitors ...
