‘Holidaymaker fees must benefit everyone’: Switzerland Tourism

Charging entrance fees at popular Swiss holiday hotspots only makes sense if overseas guests also gain from the levy, says the Swiss tourism industry. Do you want to read our weekly top stories? Subscribe here. The idyllic village of Lauterbrunnen is considering a Venice-style entry charge to ease overtourism. The village is frequently brought to a standstill by waves of tourists keen to soak in its natural beauty and tranquility. “As long as the measure also benefits the guest, it is accepted and even appreciated,” Markus Brenner, spokesperson for Switzerland Tourism, told Swiss public broadcaster SRF. “When I go to Lauterbrunnen, I know that I will have to pay the fee, but I will definitely find a parking space. I also know that the number of guests in the valley is limited.” “It must also be understandable for guests, and clear what they will receive in return.” Victim of own success Brenner says overtourism in Switzerland is confined to specific locations at certain times of ...