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The tourism sector is aware that it will only be able to resume work if the number of cases continues to decline, announced the Swiss Tourism Association after a meeting with Federal President Guy Parmelin (61) and Federal Councilors Alain Berset (48) and Ueli Maurer . (69).
Therefore, a rapid test and vaccination strategy is essential. The testing regimen must adapt, even with massive testing. And when it comes to vaccination, there needs to be a clear national schedule for the general public.
Relief since the beginning of March
Representatives of tourism associations also ask for a clear exit strategy from March. From this moment on, the blockade should be lifted gradually, if the epidemiological situation allows it. The exit strategy must also be transparent and understandable through a system of indicators. The tourism industry joins a demand from the FDP. However, so far the Federal Council has refused to introduce some kind of traffic light system. The situation had to be reassessed every day, especially the mutations made the situation very unsafe.
In addition, the 5 billion francs in hardship benefits provided by the federal government and the cantons would have to flow “quickly and without bureaucracy.” Now you need pragmatic processes as in the spring of 2020. Because for many companies in the sector every day counts. But it can’t be that healthy companies have to file for bankruptcy because support comes too late.
Hotel restaurants are now tough cases too
The Federal Council admitted that the tourism industry was particularly affected by the Covid 19 pandemic. But it had used “a wide range of measures” to cushion the negative effects, the Parmelin Department of Economics, Education and Science (WBF) said. . This included short-term work compensation, income replacement, and hardship programs.
The latter now also take more account of the needs of seasonal companies. Additionally, hotel restaurants would now also be considered a hardship if the canton recognizes a division account and the restaurant division shows a decline in sales of at least 40 percent. That was what the hotels had asked for. According to Parmelin, the cantons are now working “at full speed” on implementation.
The next tourism summit is scheduled for May. Then look back at the winter season and discuss possible measures to support the restart of tourism after the pandemic. (SDA / sf)
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