President Paul-Marc Julen welcomed the members of Zermatt Tourism to the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof and was able to report on almost exclusively successful figures, events and developments.
The markets relevant to the Zermatt-Matterhorn destination have recovered faster than expected, the willingness to travel and spend has increased and has brought the service partners record figures. Despite an initial lack of snow, the winter season was extremely successful, as the best conditions prevailed on the slopes thanks to technical snowmaking and perfect weather.
The summer of 2023 also developed into an excellent season: the return of overseas markets, with the exception of Japan and China, brought the destination dream figures and, compared to other tourist destinations, the global focus and diversification of markets proved to be the right strategy.
2023: Also a year of pioneering deeds
The destination can also look back on significant milestones in the 2022/23 financial year. With the opening of the Glacier Ride II, the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing vision finally became a reality. The celebrations surrounding the 125th anniversary of the Gornergrat Railway, which was celebrated in style with original festivities, took place during a similar period.
The destination was less fortunate a few months later. Unfortunately, the wind and weather left those responsible on the local organising committee and the partners involved with no choice but to cancel this year's Matterhorn Cervino Speed Opening races. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the enormous media attention during this period has left its mark on the reservation books for the current winter season and has helped to raise awareness of the Zermatt-Matterhorn brand.
On the overnight stays podium and by-elections
With a total of 2,667,357 overnight stays and an increase of 19.17 per cent compared to the previous year, the Zermatt-Matterhorn destination ranked third in the past period, behind the cities of Geneva and Zurich and well ahead of its competitors.
Michel Franzen (Zermatt Hoteliers' Association) resigns from the Zermatt Tourism Board and is replaced by Corinne Julen (Zermatt Hoteliers' Association). Klaus Tscherrig (municipality of Täsch) and Gerold Biner (Air Zermatt) have tendered their resignation from the Board of Delegates at the 2024 General Assembly. Accordingly, Ivan Kürzinger (municipality of Täsch) and Daniel Aufdenblatten (Air Zermatt) were newly elected to the Council of Delegates.
