Supplementary accommodation in Switzerland is booming

Good news for Swiss tourism: supplementary accommodation is thriving! After a few uncertain years, the sector is now posting a notable rise in overnight stays, proof that guests have rediscovered their appetite for getting away… and for slightly more authentic stays.

Holiday flats, campsites, youth hostels and bed and breakfasts are winning over more and more people. And let us be honest: faced with a choice between a standard hotel and a small chalet with a mountain view, most of us do not hesitate for long.

What is supplementary accommodation in Switzerland?

Supplementary accommodation covers every form of tourist accommodation that falls outside traditional hotels. That includes:

• Holiday flats and houses
• Campsites
• Youth hostels
• Properties listed on platforms such as Airbnb

In other words, it is a more flexible offering, often more affordable and, above all, much closer to what guests are looking for today.

The key figures behind the rise in overnight stays

Let us get straight to the point. Recent figures confirm solid growth in Swiss supplementary accommodation.

In the third quarter, the sector recorded a rise of around 6% in overnight stays compared with the previous year. That amounts to several million additional overnight stays, a sign of genuine enthusiasm.

Here are the standout points:

• Total overnight stays in supplementary accommodation now exceed pre-pandemic levels
• Holiday flats remain the dominant segment
• Campsites are growing steadily, particularly in summer
• Youth hostels are attracting a younger, more international clientele
• The share of Swiss holidaymakers remains high, but overseas visitors are rising sharply

In short, the growth is both quantitative and qualitative. The sector is not simply bouncing back: it is evolving.

Why such strong growth?

A search for freedom

First of all, guests want more independence. Supplementary accommodation lets them live at their own pace, with no constraints.

You cook when you like, you arrive when you can… in a word, you breathe.

The boom in domestic tourism

Domestic tourism also plays a key role. The Swiss are rediscovering their own country, and quite rightly so.

With its lakes, mountains and charming villages, Switzerland is an exceptional playground.

The effect of digital platforms

Platforms such as Airbnb have transformed access to these properties.

Today:

• Everything is available in a few clicks
• There is a wide, varied choice
• Prices are often competitive

A quest for authenticity

Finally, guests are looking for unique experiences. Sleeping in a chalet, on a farm or at a campsite in the middle of nature means living something different.

And that is priceless (well… almost).

What does this mean for Swiss tourism?

A more diverse offering

The rise in overnight stays is pushing the industry to innovate. Regions are developing new types of accommodation and making themselves more appealing.

The result: a richer choice for visitors.

A boost for the local economy

Supplementary accommodation benefits local economies directly:

• Income for owners
• Trade for local businesses
• Job creation

It is a genuine economic driver.

Challenges to address

That said, this growth also raises questions:

• Pressure on housing in certain regions
• The risk of overtourism
• Environmental concerns

In other words, the right balance has to be found.

Supplementary accommodation vs hotels: rivals or partners?

Supplementary accommodation is not replacing hotels. It complements them.

• Hotels remain the preferred option for short or business trips
• Supplementary accommodation appeals for longer stays, with family or friends

Ultimately, everyone wins.

A lasting trend?

Everything suggests it is.

Travel habits are changing. Visitors want more freedom, more nature and more authenticity. And supplementary accommodation ticks every one of those boxes.

What is more, the sector continues to organise and professionalise itself.

Tips for making the most of supplementary accommodation in Switzerland

Here are a few simple pointers:

• Book early, especially in high season
• Compare what is on offer
• Read the reviews
• Explore lesser-known regions

And above all… let yourself be surprised.

Conclusion: a new way of travelling

The rise in overnight stays in Swiss supplementary accommodation reflects a deep shift in tourism. The figures speak for themselves: with growth of around 6% and a return to above pre-pandemic levels, the sector is in fine form.

But beyond the statistics, a new way of travelling is taking hold. Freer, more human, closer to nature.

And if you still need a reason to give it a try… just picture yourself with a hot coffee looking out over the Alps. There you go, you are already there