Switzerland's bold move: Free transport for hotel guests in Valais
A new pilot scheme in Valais will offer Swiss residents free public transport tickets when they book hotel stays. The initiative launches on 1 May 2026 and targets guests staying for at least two nights. It aims to encourage sustainable travel while supporting local tourism.
The project is a collaboration between Valais/Wallis Promotion, the Valais Hoteliers' Association, and Alliance Swisspass. To receive the free tickets, visitors must book directly with participating hotels. The exact number of hotels involved has not been confirmed, but the offer applies to qualifying stays from summer 2026.
Funded by the federal government's Innotour program, the scheme will be statistically evaluated by several universities. Organisers hope it will align with shifting travel habits and reduce reliance on private cars. The free tickets cover round-trip journeys on public transport during the stay.
The pilot will run as part of a broader push for greener tourism. Guests meeting the criteria will benefit from free transport, while researchers assess its impact. Results could influence future policies on sustainable travel in Switzerland.
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