Ski areas are increasingly investing in cable cars and climate measures to stabilize demand and achieve climate goals. This is shown by two new studies from the Research Center for Tourism at the University of Bern.
Winter sports in Switzerland are facing major challenges: climate change, changing visitor preferences and intense competition require new approaches. Many ski area operators have therefore invested in the expansion of cable cars and snowmaking systems, often with support from the public sector. This is intended to support demand and ensure competitiveness.
Studies by the Tourism Research Center (Cred-t) at the University of Bern show that investments in snowmaking systems can reduce dependence on natural snow by two thirds. New cable cars ensure a short-term increase in demand of 4.1 percent and an increase in sales of 1.9 percent in the first year after opening. However, demand from neighboring ski areas within a 50 kilometer radius can decrease by up to 10.2 percent.
Strategies for climate neutrality in tourism
Tourism is not only affected by the consequences of climate change, but also contributes to it. In Switzerland, the industry is committed to climate protection measures with the aim of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Destinations such as Davos and Arosa have taken the first steps towards becoming “climate-neutral destinations” and take into account the entire climate footprint of tourism, including the arrival and departure of guests. The key measures are the regular recording of emissions, the development of net-zero roadmaps and the promotion of sustainable offerings. In addition, cooperation between public authorities and private companies should be strengthened.
Incentives for climate-friendly behavior
Raising guest awareness plays an important role. Through targeted information campaigns and “nudging” methods – i.e. small impulses for sustainable action – destinations can promote climate-friendly decisions. This ranges from incentives to use public transport to transparency about climate-damaging activities.
Research recommends actively promoting net zero offers and raising awareness of the environmental impact of tourism. The creation of regional climate funds is also intended to support destinations in financing sustainable projects and thus driving innovation.
Conclusion: Through investments and cooperation towards a sustainable tourism future
The studies show that the Swiss tourism industry can master the balancing act between economic goals and climate protection – provided there is consistent investment and cooperation.
Innovative solutions such as technical snowmaking and sustainable destinations are already in use, but additional efforts are necessary for a climate-neutral future. Sustainable investments, the development of climate-friendly offers and increased cooperation between destinations and companies offer the potential to make tourism resilient and competitive in the long term.
In the research reportsTourism Impulses No. 31 “Investments and competition for cable car systems” and Tourism Impulse No. 32 “Interpretation regulations for greenhouse gas emissions accounting and climate protection” The Tourism Research Center (Cred-t) at the University of Bern is dedicated, on the one hand, to Swiss ski resorts and the impact of their investments and, on the other hand, to greenhouse gas emissions accounting and climate protection.
Tourism impulses from the University of Bern
