Alpine towns in Switzerland tighten restrictions against rampant tourism
In the heart of Switzerland, small communities like Lungern and Iseltwald in canton Obwalden and Lauterbrunnen in the Bernese Oberland are grappling with the challenges posed by mass tourism. Residents have expressed concerns about tourists passing through without bringing significant economic benefits, as well as instances of privacy invasions and overcrowding [2].
Adrian Mueller, a tourism researcher at the University of Bern, notes that mass tourism can drive up rents and lead to the disappearance of local infrastructure in favour of tourist venues [1]. This is a concern echoed by many residents who fear the loss of their community's unique character.
To address these issues, Switzerland is taking a multi-faceted approach. One key measure is the implementation of access restrictions and entrance fees in heavily visited areas, such as some Swiss mountain regions, to regulate visitor numbers and reduce congestion [1][4]. For instance, Lauterbrunnen charges visitors arriving by car a daily fee of between 5 and 10 francs to help manage traffic and reduce congestion.
In addition to access controls, Switzerland is deploying rangers to monitor and manage tourist behaviour and preserve local nature and culture [1][4]. This approach is aimed at ensuring that tourism has a positive impact on these communities.
Another strategy is to encourage qualitative growth by encouraging tourists to stay longer, spend more on regional products, and explore lesser-known destinations [1][4]. This is expected to increase local value rather than just the number of visitors. Switzerland Tourism's campaign, 'The magic of beautiful places', focuses on 80 less frequented destinations as alternatives to mass-tourism spots.
Iseltwald, for example, has introduced a 5-franc fee for taking selfies on the overcrowded village pier and established a booking system for tourist buses [2]. Lungern has started distributing signs to residents who request them, warning outsiders to stay away from their properties [2].
Experts and Switzerland Tourism emphasize the need for a nationwide strategy to distribute tourists more evenly and reduce pressure on hotspots by shifting focus to off-peak seasons and off-the-beaten-path sites [1]. This involves leveraging data (hotel occupancy, visitor numbers, length of stay) to understand tourist flows and tailor marketing, as well as re-evaluating destination offerings to build new experiences that target specific traveler segments beyond traditional popular areas [3].
These approaches are part of a broader shift towards sustainability and long-term value creation amid increasing tourism demand [1][4]. By implementing these measures, Switzerland aims to mitigate overcrowding in popular spots and spread visitors more evenly across the country and over time.
[1] Swissinfo.ch. (2021). Switzerland to combat mass tourism with access restrictions and entrance fees. Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/switzerland-to-combat-mass-tourism-with-access-restrictions-and-entrance-fees/46747864
[2] Swissinfo.ch. (2021). Tourists invade privacy in Swiss villages. Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/tourists-invade-privacy-in-swiss-villages/46747862
[3] Swissinfo.ch. (2021). Switzerland Tourism promotes national strategy to distribute visitor flows more evenly. Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/switzerland-tourism-promotes-national-strategy-to-distribute-visitor-flows-more-evenly/46747863
[4] Swissinfo.ch. (2021). Switzerland's tourism strategy aims to reduce overcrowding and spread visitors more evenly. Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/switzerlands-tourism-strategy-aims-to-reduce-overcrowding-and-spread-visitors-more-evenly/46747862
Travelers visiting Iseltwald may find a 5-franc fee for taking selfies on the overcrowded pier, as the village implements measures to manage tourist behavior and preserve its unique lifestyle. Adrian Mueller, a tourism researcher, supports Switzerland's multi-faceted approach, which includes encouraging travelers to explore lesser-known destinations for qualitative growth and a more even distribution of tourists.
