2005 market figures (estimated):
Total spent in 2005 by Swiss traveling worldwide: USD 9.340
billion
Total spent in 2005 by Swiss traveling to the U.S.: USD 800
billion
Estimated market growth rate for 2006: 4 %
- The rate of exchange of the dollar vs. the Swiss Franc makes the U.S. a “good value” destination.
- The new machine-readable Swiss passport with digitalized pictures allows the Swiss to enter the U.S. under the visa waiver program which greatly facilitates travel to the U.S.
- A biometric Swiss passport will be available as of September 2006, further facilitating travel to the U.S.
- As opposed to many other long-haul destinations, the U.S. is looked upon by the security-minded Swiss as rather safe.
- The U.S. is particularly popular among middle aged and older Swiss.
- Sales via the Internet are growing fast, particularly for flights and hotels where no counseling is required. However, round trips representing the bulk of the U.S. business are still and almost exclusively being sold via travel agencies.
Best prospects for U.S. companies include:
- fly & drive packages
- motor homes
- packages for outdoor activities (Jeep tours, river rafting, soft adventure type tours)
- cruises
- beach vacation packages
- golfing
- educational travel/study packages