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 288'630 Swiss arrivals in the US by September project the total potenial number of Swiss tourists in 2023 to some 380'000 which is an increase of some 30 percent over the previous year. The driving force, besides one of the world's highest per capita incomes, is the strength of the Swiss Franc vs. the USD which keeps floating below 0.90 CHF. It makes the destination USA accessible to many inspite of the inflation and higher prices. The Swiss outbound travel market requires good and competent service, resp. counselling. The Corona experience made people, even more than before, to rely on reputable travel agencies. It is up to the destinations to provide the needed support, cultivate the market and relevant networks. The well established Visit USA Committee will be happy to provide guidance.
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
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
