Switzerland does not have a problem with overtourism, according to the findings from a survey carried out by Switzerland Tourism in April and May.

Just 5% of those polled were concerned about overtourism, as per the survey.

When respondents identified issues with tourism, the top concerns were inflation, pollution, littering, and traffic problems. These were followed by the growing scarcity of living space and damage to nature and the environment, Swiss Info reports.

Instead of using the term “overtourism,” Switzerland Tourism refers to “selective local and temporal bottlenecks.”

In tourist centres, respondents also observed “a certain disrespect on the part of tourists” towards themselves, their families, their country, and the environment.

Lauterbrunnen recently grabbed attention as a prominent example. The community of 2,300 responded to the influx of tourists by putting up signs urging visitors to show more respect.

Yet the industry and Switzerland Tourism are aware of the issues. “We take these local situations very seriously,” said Martin Nydegger, Director of Switzerland Tourism.

As such, the organisation has been attempting to raise awareness of travel during the low season as well as locations away from the tourism hotspots.

The number of overnight stays in the Swiss hotel industry is heavily concentrated during the peak winter and summer periods. Throughout the entire year, however, Swiss hotels operate at only about half capacity.

Consequently, together with tour operators, Switzerland Tourism is conducting promotions directly in the markets of origin, with a particular emphasis on autumn. 

In addition, Switzerland’s diversity is being showcased worldwide “so that travellers are better distributed” across the country.