HS Decides on NO Stance Against Chaos Initiative

HotellerieSuisse has today decided on a NO stance against the Chaos Initiative ('No 10-Million Switzerland'). An acceptance of the initiative would have far-reaching consequences for the accommodation sector and the entire tourism industry. Essentially, it would accept the termination of the free movement agreement with the EU, jeopardizing the recruitment of workers, Switzerland's accessibility, and the planning security for accommodation providers.

The Regional Association Conference of HotellerieSuisse, consisting of the association's leadership and the presidents of the regional associations, unanimously decided today on a NO stance against the 'Chaos Initiative' for the federal referendum on June 14. The initiative demands a limitation of the permanent resident population to a maximum of 10 million people. If this goal were not met, key international agreements – particularly the free movement of persons with the EU – would have to be terminated.

Planning Chaos with Far-Reaching Consequences

The association is convinced: The initiative creates legal uncertainty and planning chaos without presenting realistic and implementable solutions. Rigid constitutional requirements would leave fundamental questions unanswered and pose significant risks for the economy and society. The impact on tourism as an internationally connected export industry would be particularly palpable. Reliable framework conditions and stable relations with the most important partners – especially with the European Union – are indispensable for accommodation.

Exacerbation of the Skills Shortage

Around 30 percent of the workforce in the hospitality industry comes from the EU/EFTA region. The tourism sector is accordingly dependent on recruiting workers and skilled staff from these countries. The elimination of the free movement of persons would severely hinder recruitment and exacerbate the existing skills shortage. Open positions could hardly be filled to the required extent. 'The consequences would be immediately noticeable for guests: Hotels, restaurants, and other tourist facilities would have to restrict their offerings and opening hours. This would affect service quality, variety of offerings, and competitiveness,' explains Christian Hürlimann, Director of HotellerieSuisse.

Switzerland's Accessibility Would be Affected

With the termination of the free movement, it is also expected that Switzerland could no longer be part of the Schengen Area. This would mean that systematic border controls would have to be reintroduced, leading to long waiting times for guests from Europe and third countries. If Switzerland were no longer part of the Schengen system, travel would be associated with increased administrative effort due to changing visa requirements. This could affect Switzerland's attractiveness in certain distant markets like the USA or the Gulf States. Especially in the off-season, guests from these markets play an important role in tourism demand.

International Image as a Travel Destination at Stake

Swiss tourism is strongly influenced by its international reputation as an open, easily accessible, and reliable travel destination. 'Acceptance of the initiative would affect Switzerland's perception abroad and weaken its position in international competition,' says Martin von Moos, President of HotellerieSuisse. Already today, there is occasional perception abroad that Switzerland is increasingly isolating itself.

Association Actively Engages in the Referendum Campaign

HotellerieSuisse will actively participate in the run-up to the referendum and mobilize for a NO vote through all its communication channels. Together with other stakeholders along the tourism value chain, the association will highlight the concrete impacts of the initiative on businesses, employees, guests, and the population. The aim is particularly to sensitize tourism-friendly population segments to the importance of stable framework conditions, secured skilled workforce, and functioning international relations. The association will thus contribute to a factual and fact-based voting debate.

Media Contact: Vinzenz van den Berg Head of Corporate Communications HotellerieSuisse vinzenz.vandenberg@hotelleriesuisse.ch

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