UK operators pull Swiss chalet holidays after new working laws come into force
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Several British tour operators have pulled out of selling catered chalet holidays in Switzerland following a change in the country’s employment rules.
Inghams, Ski Total, Esprit Ski, Scott Dunn and Skiworld are among the names that have closed chalets in Swiss resorts after new legislation means it will cost the companies more to keep British staff employed in the country.
The new law states chalet staff must be paid the minimum wage of GBP2, 238 a month to cover living costs although UK tour operators pay lower wages as they pay for staff housing, food, most travel and care.
The new ruling came into force in June last year but was waived for the winter 2013/14 period due to late notice, but it now must come into force for all business models.
According to Planet Ski, Inghams has closed all its chalets in the country except one chalet-hotel in Verbier while sister firms Ski Total and Esprit Ski have shut all their properties.
Scott Dunn has closed its two Zermatt chalets while Skiworld has pulled out of Verbier and Zermatt.
Luxury Swiss operating company VIP SKI said it will continue to offer chalet programmes in Verbier and Zermatt.
Concern for local businesses
Marcelline Kuonen, director UK & Ireland for Switzerland Tourism told Travel Daily it is sad to hear of the news.
“Last season the canton found a way to help the UK tour operators and gave out permits for the winter as it was too late to react, but this year the rules now need to be applied,” she explained. “It’s sad to hear as it not only impacts tourism but also the many restaurants, ski shops and instructors that rely on the tourists for income. We will continue to work and communicate closely with operators here, but in this current situation no one wins.”
Switzerland has already suffered from a decline in ski visitors particularly due to an unfavourable exchange rate which make prices in resort expensive. Tourism authorities are hoping skiers and snowboarders will stay in hotels and self-catered accommodation instead, but the catered chalet option is popular with British tourists (and also unique to this market).
The federal law was put into place in June last year following complaints from hoteliers in Zermatt who accused British companies of ‘slave labour’ for offering lower pay, as the catered chalet market thrived while some hotels suffered.
Switzerland’s largest ski area breaks up
Switzerland’s ski concerns with the UK market come after its largest ski area broke up over a disagreement between lift operators.
Holidaymakers heading to the 4-Vallees area which links five resorts will no longer be able to move from one area to another on the same ticket, as the lift operators cannot agree on a revenue-sharing scheme.
The affected area covers Verbier, LA Tzoumaz, Nendaz, Veysonnaz and Thyon which between them have 82 lifts and 412km of slopes.
The companies had initially been working together since 2006 and talks continue, but so far each region will be sold on separate lift passes.
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