Case Study: Tourism in Switzerland | Geography Class 7 ICSE PDF Download

Introduction

Switzerland is a landlocked nation in central Europe, surrounded by Germany (north), Liechtenstein and Austria (east), Italy (south-east and south), and France (west and north-west). It has a total boundary length of 1,852 kilometers. The country is divided into over 3,000 communes or municipalities, grouped into 26 cantons, including 6 demi-cantons that function as full cantons. Swiss citizens actively participate in politics through referenda and initiatives, directly influencing national and sub-national policies. Switzerland is a model of a multiethnic, multilingual society where diverse groups coexist harmoniously.

History of Tourism in Switzerland

• Since the 18th century, Switzerland’s scenic beauty, driven by the Alps, has attracted visitors.
• Early travelers included mule drivers, salesmen, pilgrims, and naturalists exploring mountains, gorges, waterfalls, lakes, and glaciers.
• Tourism began in the early 19th century with British mountaineers climbing peaks like Jungfrau (1811) and Finsteraarhorn (1812).
• The Alpine Club, founded in London in 1857, popularized the Bernese Alps, especially the Bernese Oberland, as a tourist destination.
• Thomas Cook and Lunn Travel companies offered the first organized tourist holidays in the 19th century.
• Today, Switzerland has over 4,500 hotels and hosts around 36 million overnight guests annually.
• Tourism significantly contributes to the economy, provides employment, and supports the development of mountain areas.

The Why of Tourism

• Tourism involves the exchange of invisible services, where tourists spend money, earning foreign exchange for the host country.
• This foreign exchange boosts the economy of the country or state.

Main Types of Tourism

• Cultural Tourism: Involves sightseeing and exploring different ethnic groups and cultures.
• Business Tourism: Increased due to advancements in air travel, with people visiting offices and factories worldwide.
• Geographical Tourism: Focuses on visiting significant geographical locations for education or adventure.
• Personal Reasons: Includes traveling to visit family and friends during special occasions.

Reasons for Growth in Tourism

• Improved connectivity and faster air travel make remote areas accessible.
• Higher disposable income allows more people to afford holidays.
• Travel shows and advertisements increase awareness about tourism.
• Small families with two working parents seek outdoor holidays.
• Internet booking and advertising make planning trips easier from home.
• Unique and unusual destinations attract adventure-seeking tourists.

Factors Favouring Tourism in Switzerland

• Switzerland’s climate supports tourism in both summer (lakes, landscapes, waterfalls) and winter (winter sports).
• Its central European location ensures high demand and easy accessibility from Europe and beyond.
• The Alps offer stunning U-shaped valleys and snow-covered peaks, complemented by water bodies like Lake Geneva.
• Swiss hospitality and the friendly nature of the people attract global visitors.
• Availability of capital has developed popular tourist destinations like Interlaken and St. Moritz.
• Extensive advertising campaigns promote Switzerland’s tourism potential across various media.
• A well-developed transport and communication network, including routes in mountainous areas, ensures efficient tourist movement.
• High-quality hotel management, modern hotels, inns, chalets, and camping sites meet international standards.
• Switzerland’s policy of neutrality ensures stability, attracting visitors from diverse political backgrounds.
• Skilled labor ensures the tourism industry runs efficiently.
• International institutions like banks and conference centers benefit from Switzerland’s neutrality.
• The Swiss value sincerity and punctuality, with rare strikes ensuring smooth operations.
• Punctuality is highly valued, and being late is considered inappropriate.

Importance of Tourism to Switzerland

• Tourism generates foreign exchange, boosting the Swiss economy.
• It provides government revenue through taxes on tour companies, tourists, and activities.
• It employs over 120,000 people during peak seasons, significantly more than in some other countries like Tanzania.
• It drives infrastructure development, including roads, railways, and tourist facilities.
• Tourism diversifies the economy, reducing reliance on a few sectors.
• It promotes advancements in science and technology, such as electrified railways.
• It creates a market for locally made Swiss products.
• Tourism fosters friendly international relations with other nations.
• It supports urbanization in tourist areas and contributes to rural development.
• It utilizes the Alpine region, turning potential wastelands into valuable tourist sites.

Tourist Attractions in Switzerland

• The Alps, stretching from eastern France to western Germany and Austria, and bordered by Italy, are central to Switzerland’s appeal.
• The Mittelland, north of the Alps, features beautiful lakes and major cities.
• The Jura mountain range divides Basel and the Rhine River.
• The Matterhorn in Zermatt, part of the Valais Alps, is a famous and stunning mountain peak.
• The Bernese Oberland offers diverse attractions, including enchanting lakes and major peaks like Jungfraujoch near Interlaken, along with resorts like Gstaad, Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren.
• Lucerne, on the Reuss River and Lake Lucerne, is a charming town ideal for excursions to nearby lakes, mountains, Alps, and Ticino.
• Lake Geneva, Europe’s largest Alpine lake, borders Switzerland and France, with Geneva located where the Rhône River meets the lake.
• Geneva, a French-speaking city, is the European seat of the United Nations, blending French vibrancy with Swiss structure.
• Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city and a major transport hub, lies on Lake Zurich and the Limmat River, offering rich cultural attractions.
• The Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen, the largest falls in Central Europe, span 150 meters wide and 23 meters high, spilling over a 21-meter Jurassic limestone ledge.

Problems of Tourism in Switzerland

• Tourism is unstable, with fluctuating tourist numbers causing underutilization of resources and seasonal unemployment.
• International terrorism threats discourage visitors to Switzerland and other European countries.
• Strict immigration policies limit tourists from Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
• Avalanches during mild springs can damage tourist resorts.
• Competition from over 600 ski resorts in other Alpine countries like Italy and Germany challenges Switzerland’s market.
• High costs of Swiss holidays deter some potential tourists.