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2026 Travel Boom in Switzerland: Survey Finds Swiss Ready for More Trips and Bigger Budgets
The Swiss are embracing travel like never before. According to a new survey by Dertour Suisse, the desire to travel remains unbroken, with Swiss residents planning more international trips in 2026 than in 2025. This increase in travel comes as a response to growing interest in city breaks, beach holidays, and active getaways. The survey, which interviewed 1,001 Swiss residents aged 14 to 75, shows that the average number of trips taken by Swiss travelers is set to increase from 1.9 per person in 2025 to 2.2 in 2026.
This uptick signals a strong recovery in the travel industry, driven by a renewed appetite for travel following the pandemic and a growing desire for adventurous and relaxing vacations. City breaks have taken the lead as the most popular choice for Swiss travelers, while beach holidays continue to be a mainstay. Active holidays, especially those favored by men, have also secured a significant place in the rankings.
Swiss Travel Trends: City Breaks and Active Holidays Lead the Charge
Among the top holiday types Swiss travelers are gravitating toward in 2026:
- City breaks lead the pack, offering travelers the chance to explore urban cultures, indulge in world-class dining, and visit historical sites across Europe.
- Beach holidays remain a close second, offering relaxation and sunshine, with many travelers planning to visit popular coastal destinations around the world.
- Active holidays, such as hiking and adventure tours, are rising in popularity, particularly among men, as they seek both physical challenges and exploration.
These insights suggest that the Swiss travel market is becoming more diverse and dynamic, with travelers seeking a balance between culture, relaxation, and adventure.
Rising Budgets: Swiss Travelers Willing to Spend More on Travel
One of the most significant findings from the Dertour Suisse survey is that Swiss travelers are willing to spend more money on their trips in 2026. Nearly half of the survey respondents indicated that they would maintain their travel budgets at the same level as in 2025, but almost a third plan to spend more on their holidays. Notably, 10% of travelers intend to spend “much more”, highlighting a willingness to invest in quality and experiences during their trips.
This increase in spending is particularly prevalent among younger generations, who are more likely to boost their travel budgets. With a stronger economy and greater access to travel opportunities, the Swiss seem ready to experience even more luxury and excitement during their vacations in 2026. The survey indicates a shift toward higher-value trips, where the quality of experience—rather than just the number of trips—is the priority.
Long-Haul Travel and the Return of Exotic Destinations
Long-haul travel is also seeing an increase, with Swiss travelers more eager than ever to explore international destinations. This trend aligns with a global recovery in travel, as more travelers look beyond Europe to the U.S., Asia, Africa, and the South Pacific.
Destinations like Thailand, Australia, and South America are poised to attract more Swiss visitors in 2026. Meanwhile, cultural tours and safaris continue to grow in popularity, as travelers seek immersive and unique experiences far from their home country.
Travel Predictions for 2026: What’s Next for the Swiss Travel Industry?
The Swiss travel market is expected to continue growing, with tourism trends aligning with a greater focus on quality and experiences. The combination of more trips, higher spending, and long-haul travel suggests that the Swiss are planning their vacations with a broader perspective in mind. As more destinations open up to tourists post-pandemic, travelers are more confident in taking bold steps to explore faraway places.
Christoph Debus, CEO of the German Dertour Group, echoed these sentiments, expressing that the desire to travel remains strong in Europe. In an interview, he mentioned, “The travel industry is set to grow by 5-6% annually, outpacing GDP growth.” This growth is expected to be fueled by a higher demand for long-haul holidays and more immersive travel experiences in 2026.
Swiss Travel Trends: A Future of Exploration and Expansion
Looking ahead, the Swiss travel market is expected to thrive with growing budgets, more long-haul trips, and a focus on diverse travel experiences. From city breaks in European capitals to active holidays in the Alps or beach escapes to the Caribbean, the Swiss will continue to embrace a wide array of options, enjoying both luxurious getaways and adventurous explorations in 2026.
Conclusion: Swiss Travel Habits Shift Toward More Frequent and Luxurious Getaways in 2026
The survey results indicate a positive trend for the Swiss travel industry in 2026, as more travelers plan to take multiple trips abroad. The demand for luxury holidays, active adventures, and cultural exploration is on the rise, making it clear that Swiss travelers are embracing the diversity of experiences available to them. With a willingness to increase their travel budgets and a growing interest in international destinations, Switzerland’s travel scene is poised for an exciting year ahead.
As the desire to travel remains strong and spending on holidays increases, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of unforgettable journeys and exciting discoveries for Swiss travelers.
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