Developments will concentrate on the European country’s biggest city, Zurich, with a minimum of seven projects in the offing, while Geneva and the Alpine municipalities of Scuol and Zermatt share runners-up spot with three each.
Upscale’s upper hand
National developers are showing a real preference for upscale sites as opposed to luxury properties, with the former on at least 41 – that’s 69% of the pipeline – and the remaining 18 hotels classified as five star standard.
For a mature market, Switzerland has quite a few upcoming newbuilds, comprising 53% of the pipeline and equating to a minimum of 31 hotels. Refurbishments are also fairly prevalent, with at least 22 planned, while five extensions and one conversion are also on the books.
Sustained deliveries
The levels of openings in the coming years look to be constant, with THP records indicating at least 14 high end hotels will complete in 2024, with another 12 in 2025. A further nine will finish in 2026, while the last weeks of this year are due to see six deliveries. The remaining 18 sites are either expected further in the future or are yet to be designated a delivery date.
Currently around 41% of the pipeline is under construction, equalling 24 builds, while another two are in a pre-opening stage. However, more projects are in a planning phase, a total of 27, plus a further six in pre-planning.
Accor ascendency
While two thirds of the pipeline comprises independent hotels, Accor looks to be the leader in terms of major hotel chains in the Swiss development sphere, with a minimum of eight upper segment sites planned. Radisson Hotel Group is next, with at least three projects, while Marriott International and Hyatt Hotels Corporation share third place on, at worst, two each.
In terms of individual brands, Accor’s Movenpick Hotels & Resorts tops the standings on four projects, with stablemate Tribe, part of Ennismore, coming joint runner-up on two. Also boasting a pair apiece are Hyatt’s Unbound Collection and Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts.
Major undertakings
The largest Swiss project underway by key count is within Accor’s auspices, namely Tribe Zurich Airport. The development is due to deliver 220 rooms in 2026.
Another notable project is Le Richemond Jumeirah, where Dubai-headquartered Jumeirah Group is renovating the historical Le Richemond hotel to become part of the Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts brand, marking the group’s national debut. The art deco property on the banks of Lake Geneva features 109 keys, encompassing 87 rooms and 22 suites. Work will include introducing Jumeirah’s signature wellness and fitness concepts and bringing the brand’s culinary expertise to the site with the introduction of unique destination dining concepts. Completion is slated for Q2 2025.
