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.
Swiss arrivals in the US in 2025 topped 361'000, down some 10 percent compared to 2024. The reasons for the drop are seen in a combination of a felt worldwide growing uncertainty, certain domestic economic and political challenges, media coverage and a trend toward a more conscious money spending. However, the historically close personal relations and factors like the economy and an attractive rate of exchange USD vs. CHF provide a solid basis for future travel .
Inspite of a somewhat challenging environment the U.S. remains at the top of the most popular overseas destinations of Swiss travellers. A major reason being that over half are repeat visitors who remember the welcoming and friendly attitude of most Americans they met during previous trips. Particularly at this time, competent personal counselling remains important to the service minded Swiss. The event "USA Island Hopping" provides the required training platform, in cooperation with our American partners. The one day event is attended by some 200 travel professionals from around the country. The featured destination will be Boston, the gateway to the popular New England region.
The US remains the most popular overseas destination of the Swiss. The need for professional counselling in planning resp. booking of a trip is important, in particular in an environment as demanding as at the present time. USA Island Hopping 25 provided some 30 US and local service providers and destinations a cost effective opportunity for valuable networking an personal contacs to 236 trade visitors from around the country.
Over 230 trade visitors from around the country were proof for the need of an information and training platform for a destination of the size of the U.S. Some 40 partners (cities, states, TO's, airlines etc) used the occasion to present their products and services. They all were given the opportunity to hold short workshops in small groups, behind the information booths intended for individual consultations. Visitors had to plan and book their attendance according to their individual interests. They then were given access to their personal visitors program by means of an app. The featured destination Alaska had the opportunity to present itself at the opening plennary session.
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.
