CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNER OF THE 2 FLIGHT TICKETS
TO THE USA WITH SWISS INTERNATIONAL AIR LINES.
Marilyn Sacco, Hotelplan
The Visit USA Committee is a non - profit Trade Association of destinations, industry partners and individuals
with the goal of promoting travel and tourism to the United States of America.
The considerably higher prices for travel in the US compared to last year does not seem to discourage Swiss to take a trip accross the Atlantic. An important factor being the strength of the Swiss franc which gained between 12-15 percent in value vs. the USD allowing to compensate some of the cost increase. The result shows in a total of 165'309 visitors (preliminary figure) by the end of June, a slight increase over 2022. Airlines report nearly full planes for coming Fall. Above picture shows a session at the recent trade event "USA Island Hoping" - formerly known as the Visit USA Seminar. It is the only trade event of its kind with countrywide attendance promoting the destination USA
In spite of a challening environment, economically and with a war in the Ukraine, the Swiss do not appear disouraged from taking a trip to the US. A total of 314'226 arrived in the US in 2022. High incomes and a strong Swiss Franc to the USD (change 0.93 CHF/$) help to dampen the effect of high prices and the inflation. First indications for 2023 are also promising
The long established promotional and educational event for travel to the US, now called "USA Island Hopping" enjoyed a successfull kick-off with the "Capital Region USA" as featured destination after a two years Cornona related "break". A total of 275 travel professionals attended of which 235 participated in the so-called "Island Hopping" - workshops held by US destinations and partners. The new format was welcomed by partners (US destinations etc) and visitors. The attendance from around the country testified the need for information and training. The event is part of the promotional programs supported by The Brand USA .
Switzerland's economy has been coping rather well with the actual challenging economic environment.. One reason being the strength of the Swiss Franc vs. most other currencies which forced the inflation down to 3% in October. As a result prices of Swiss industry remain stable on its export markets struggling with a three to four times higher inflation. Unemployment is at a record low of 1.9%. Purchasing power remains high making the Swiss outbound travel market attractive and, in particular, profitable. Time to join the established events produced by the Swiss Visit USA Committee - the only promotional platforms with countrywide attendance, custom tailored for US destinations.
The popular Visit USA Roadshow attracted 2022 a record number of 260 travel professionals from April 4 - 7 in the six Swiss cities St. Gallen, Zurich, Basel, Lucerne, Bern, Lausanne. The high attendance is proof of the attractive potential of the travel destination USA on the Swiss market. See attached list of partners/exhibitors
The Visit USA Committee elected the following new members in its board. Michael Boetschi of go2travel GmbH and Fabio di Canio of Hotelplan replacing Olivier Eck. Reto Schneider of UA and Timo Swoboda of Kuoni/DER Reisen will share the position of the Committee Vice Chair
