"The fact that restaurants will be allowed to reopen from 11 May and that smaller sports training sessions will also be permitted again is a good sign. I assume that the restaurants and mountain railroads will be allowed to reopen in mid-June, subject to strict conditions. Gentle summer tourism should therefore be possible," says Branschi in the interview and adds with regard to mountain bikers: "Bikers are out and about alone, in pairs or at most in small groups in the great outdoors. I therefore assume that mountain bike tourism will boom." In this respect, it pays off for Davos Klosters that a strong focus has been placed on the summer season and mountain bikers in particular for the past 15 years. This positioning has limited the damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The great scramble for the domestic market

The situation is hitting regions that have relied heavily on an international clientele much harder. These include the Jungfrau region, Engelberg, Lucerne and Zermatt, as well as the cities. Tourism has shot through the roof here in recent years, but the losses are now particularly severe. "The long-distance markets are on hold and the local markets are limited to southern Germany. The focus is clearly on Swiss guests," says Branschi, explaining the situation, which is not only the case for Davos Klosters. But it won't be a walk in the park, he adds. Because all Swiss destinations as well as Tyrol and South Tyrol will be vying for Swiss guests.

"We assume that people will have a great need to move freely in nature again," says Branschi. However, this is not a new phenomenon in itself; at best, the development will be intensified or accelerated by the pandemic. "I don't believe that Alpine tourism will change fundamentally as a result of the pandemic. Rather, 'sport and exercise in a healthy mountain world', the brand message of Davos Klosters, will be strengthened even further."

It will be difficult for the events

However, Branschi sees dangers for events, especially major events, which all destinations need as economic drivers and communication platforms. "There will be no major events for more than 1000 people until the end of August. From July, events for up to 150 people could be possible, and from August up to 500 people," he predicts.


In general, Branschi assumes that further easing for restaurants and the operation of mountain railroads will be possible under strict conditions in June. This will make gentle summer tourism possible. "However, the picture on the streets, in the cafés, on the trails and in the hotels will be different. Social distancing and hygiene measures will be with us for some time to come."

Having got away with a dark blue eye

In retrospect, the Davos Klosters destination was very quick to focus on a recovery strategy. "The emergency stop within one day was very challenging and very depressing for everyone involved. Nevertheless, we had to look ahead immediately," explains Branschi. Back on March 16, the winter season was canceled from one day to the next, four weeks before the planned end. It felt unreal, Branschi recalls. From one day to the next, there were absolutely no more offers. "But thanks to a sensational winter season with February figures last achieved in the 1980s, Davos Klosters will probably get away with a dark blue eye."

Branschi emphasizes that an opening requires a certain lead time. "Service providers must adjust their staff and guests must also be able to adjust to the reopening," he explains and adds: "The fact that the Federal Council has not given any concrete information about the reopening of gastronomy, sports and leisure for so long is difficult to understand from our point of view." Davos Klosters is ready to pave the way for mountain bikers in summer 2020. Now all parts of tourism need clear announcements from the federal authorities.