Switzerland Tourism ST is a federal corporation under public law tasked with promoting domestic and international tourism demand for Switzerland as a holiday, travel and conference destination.

The development and implementation of demand-stimulating marketing programmes and the profiling of the strong, traditional yet modern Swiss tourism brand both nationally and internationally are its key priorities. ST does this in close collaboration with the tourism sector, which contributes around half of the budget. The other half consists of federal funds. The organisation is oriented towards customers and markets, and is managed in accordance with commercial criteria.

ST is present in 23 markets worldwide, employing 280 people (259 FTEs) spread over 36 offices. ST is a corporation under public law with a membership structure. Its Board of Directors comprises 13 representatives from the tourism sector, business and industry associations. Brigitta M. Gadient chairs the organisation, while Martin Nydegger is responsible for operational management. In 2019, Parliament decided to create a credit facility of CHF 230 million as the federal contribution for the 2020–2023 period (same as for the 2016–2019 period), thereby setting an upper limit. Each year, Parliament can decide whether this limit is to be fully utilised. The federal contribution accounts for 56% of ST’s budget. The other 44% is contributed by the sector, members and business partners.

Switzerland Tourism reaches Swisstainable Level III – leading

As the initiator and promoter of the Swisstainable programme, ST is involved in the Swisstainable sustainability programme together with the professional associations and over 2,500 tourism businesses.
In 2023, ST underwent a comprehensive certification process with TourCert and thus qualified for the highest Swisstainable level with Level III – leading. ST has committed to a comprehensive improvement plan in order to continuously optimise its own sustainability performance. Sustainability is also an integral part of the new ST Strategy for 2024–2026 and points the way forward in all key aspects of business activity.

The aim of Swisstainable is to make Swiss tourism more sustainable so that visitors to Switzerland travel with greater awareness and appreciation, stay for longer and delve deeper. With Swisstainable, ST also contributes to the implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the UN and the Federal Council’s Sustainable Development Strategy 2030 and positions Switzerland as a leading sustainable travel destination. Find out more about the Swisstainable programme.

Facts and figures
    
Markets   23
Staff
– of whom trainees (German)		   280 (259 FTEs)
23
Spending*
– of which regular federal funding		 CHF million
CHF million		 104.07
63.94
Spending abroad CHF million 75.68
Degree of self-financing % 39.47
Marketing budget/
marketing staff		 CHF 286 500 
*including recovery funds