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The Corona fiasco in Ischgl, Austria, brings back bad memories. At the end of February, the Tyrolean ski resort overnight became the focus of the pandemic: thousands of Ischgl tourists from 45 countries contributed significantly to the spread of the virus, all the way to the US.
In the dense crowd of hot party nights, they contracted the coronavirus and transmitted it in their home countries, including tourists from Switzerland. Half a year later, the aftermath of the outbreak led to the first claims for damages against the Austrian authorities.
Prevent disasters
A disaster that should not be repeated, especially in the Swiss Alps. That is why Federal Councilor Alain Berset (48) is especially cautious. The SP health minister came out in favor of a coordinated approach with the other Alpine states. From the point of view of Swiss winter destinations, a hesitation that makes guests uneasy and is reflected in low booking rates and infuriates the local tourism industry.
All the more so when the Chancellor of Austria, Sebastian Kurz (34), did the opposite in his country and clearly announced: “Winter tourism will take place!”
To attract guests to the slopes, bars and hotels and give them a sense of security, Swiss tourism experts and mountain railways are now launching an extensive image campaign in all parts of the country and language regions. The name of the newly founded committee says it all: “Switzerland is going skiing!” “To ensure that the winter season in Switzerland is also guaranteed this year, it is necessary to send clear signals to sports enthusiasts at home and abroad,” demand the initiators. Skiing is safe, that’s why the tenor.
Winter sports stations work together
Virtually all the major Swiss winter sports venues are on board, from Andermatt UR to Zermatt VS. They are supported by renowned representatives of business associations and from across the political spectrum.
The Co-Presidium includes the Council of States CVP of Valais, Marianne Maret (62), the president of GLP Jürg Grossen (51) and Hans Wicki (56), the Council of States of the FDP and the president of Swiss Cableways. Berne FDP National Councilor Christa Markwalder (45), Olympic Champion Didier Défago (43), Ski Legend Pirmin Zurbriggen (57) and Cross Country Ski World Champion Fanny Smith (28) are the “ambassadors” . The most important personal blow of the committee: it won as a sponsor the Minister of Economy, Guy Parmelin (60).
The “Switzerland goes skiing!” Lobbying campaign, which began with an online presence on Saturday, is orchestrated by the ubiquitous public relations agency Furrerhugi. He is spurred on by the longing for an “important signal” from the state government, as sent by the young head of government from neighboring Austria.
Because this has yet to be heard from Switzerland, tourism experts paint a rather bleak picture of the upcoming season after a pleasant summer for the mountainous regions.
Reservations still missing
The initiators know that there is great uncertainty: “In the Swiss winter sports resorts, so far there have been hardly any reservations, unlike in other Alpine countries, and mountain railways and destinations lack security in planning.”
In fact, the state government is keeping a low profile on how the winter season should be successful. Since the tourism summit in late August, in which federal councilors Simonetta Sommaruga (60), Alain Berset and Guy Parmelin, as well as eleven industry associations participated, little has been heard from Bern.
Patience in the industry is running out: “The Federal Council could not give us security in the planning and acted with indecision in the talks. “That is why we take responsibility for ourselves”, says the director of the Swiss cable cars, Berno Stoffel (50). In any case, it is not the responsibility of the state government to develop concepts for the season, that is a matter for the cantons. With them, says Stoffel, they work well together. Next week, the mountain railways want to present the detailed protection concept.
Aggressive tourism industry
The “Switzerland is skiing!” it is ultimately the result of a break between tourism professionals, hoteliers and restaurateurs, on the one hand, and the state government, on the other. The fronts had become increasingly tougher in recent months.
Security versus profitability: the state government and, after the extraordinary situation has been lifted, now the cantons are also walking a fine line. “The tourism industry is extremely aggressive and resists any regulation,” says a participant at the August meeting. The new campaign is likely to further cloud the mood. At SonntagsBlick’s request, the interior department declined to comment. One is not aware of such action, it can be heard from the environment of the SP Health Minister, Berset.
Berset vs. Parmelin
The participation of Federal Councilor Parmelin seems even spicier. “In the summer, Swiss tourism proved that guests can be safely received with good and innovative solutions. I am convinced that this is also possible in winter and with winter sports. That is why I am pleased to support this campaign, ”the senior vice president is prominently quoted on the initiative’s website. Which points to differences with Berset, who is holding back internally. In Parmelins department it is said that the chief’s commitment is within the framework of the national strategy.
Your support for the industry initiative is likely to spark heated debates at the university.
