Annual Reports

Download Bern Welcome’s annual reports here. Annual reports are published in early Summer and only available in German.

Three people stand in front of the Federal Palace in a snowy scene, smiling at a mobile phone. The atmosphere is friendly and informal, the square with red chairs and snowflakes lends the moment a wintry liveliness.

Annual Report 2024

With over 1.1 million overnight stays recorded in the city of Bern and a total of more than 1.5 million across the entire Bern destination, last year’s record was surpassed once again. But this success is more than just a number – it is the result of strong collaboration.

Download Annual Report 2024

The photo shows a street in Bern that leads to the Zytglogge, the famous clock tower. The street is lined with traditional buildings with balconies and flags, including the Swiss flag.

A few figures

97,697 visitors at the Tourist Information at Bern main station
10,408 participants in public city tours
77 media trips with 185 participants
More than 2 million users of the bern.com platform
92 employees worked at Bern Welcome in 2024

CEO’s Review – Manuela Angst

We are delighted to see how many people from around the world brought life and vibrancy to the Bern destination over the past year.

At the same time, we are keenly aware that a thriving tourism industry also comes with its share of challenges. That is why we are committed to balanced growth – growth that respects the needs of our visitors while preserving the quality of life for the local population.
Only in this way can tourism become a lasting source of value for everyone involved.

The picture shows the CEO of Bern Welcome in a pink trouser suit and orange T-shirt. The Bern skyline with the cathedral tower can be seen in the background.

Department Highlights

Tourist Information
The Tourist Information at Bern main station underwent a comprehensive modernization in 2024.
With a fresh coat of paint, a consistent brand presence, greenery, and an optimized layout concept, the reception area now appears more vibrant, welcoming, and functional – fully aligned with a contemporary service offering for our guests.
City Tours
The City Tours team set a new all-time record in September with 490 guided tours – an average of 16.3 tours per day.
In addition to increasing both guest numbers and revenue, City Tours also succeeded in boosting satisfaction among both guests and guides.
Bern Network
The Bern Network brings together a wide range of stakeholders active in the Bern destination.
Last year, members of the Bern Network met at four workshops to exchange ideas, develop concepts, share information, and get to know one another.
In 2024, the network included 24 Bern Networkers and 250 Bern Supporters.
Bern as an E-Bike Destination
Last year, the overview map «E-Bike Map» was developed and launched right on time for the start of the 2025 season in April.
In addition, Bern Welcome – in collaboration with Switzerland Tourism – successfully hosted the Cycle Summit.
The event, which brings together European cycling tour operators, was held in Bern for the very first time. With around 150 participants from 100 companies, it marked the largest Cycle Summit to date.

The picture shows a whole group of people. They have lined up on a staircase in the Kursaal in Bern and are cheering for the camera.

The picture shows cyclists at the Cycle Summit. The rider in front gives a thumbs up.

The picture shows a tour guide holding a picture and explaining something during a city tour. The tour participants are listening. They are at the Zytglogge (clock tower) in Bern.

The picture shows a conference with a large audience listening to two people on a stage with a large screen in the background on which "THE SPIRIT OF BERN" is written.

The picture shows the Tourist Info on the road in the Kursaal Bern. Behind it, two women stand in front of a large map showing the 10 e-bike highlight routes.

A woman is giving a speech and is looking at the audience, which is not visible. Two people are standing next to her. They are all elegantly dressed. The atmosphere is professional, relaxed and friendly.

The picture shows a group of people enjoying a sunny day at the Marzili outdoor pool, with the Bundeshaus in the background. Wheelchair users and pedestrians share the bridge peacefully, creating an inclusive and relaxed atmosphere.

Bern networkers interview with Gurten and StattLand

Three people are sitting in a cosy lounge with large windows, chatting amiably. One person in the centre is holding an open laptop on their lap and laughing heartily. The other two people sit opposite each other and listen attentively. In the background, a misty river landscape can be seen through the windows.

Two women share a serene moment on a terrace overlooking a snowy cityscape, connected by looking at a smartphone.

Markets and media
Bern Welcome promotes the market both directly and in collaboration with Switzerland Tourism and Made in Bern – with a focus on the domestic and nearby markets.
In discussions with media representatives and tour operators, the diversity and offerings of the Bern destination are presented.
In 2024, Bern had the pleasure of welcoming two of France’s most influential media outlets, TF1 and Le Monde, whose features reached an audience of millions.
Bern Convention Bureau
The Bern Convention Bureau increased the number of assignments and intensified its sales activities.
A strategic partnership was established with Kuoni Tumlare Congress to provide congress organizers with improved support in booking hotel allotments.
In addition, a total of 34 site inspections were carried out in the city and region of Bern last year, allowing organizers to experience accommodations, venues, and service providers firsthand.
Marketing and Communication
In 2024, the focus was on a more clearly positioned Bern brand and an enhanced digital presence.
Our platform bern.com was modernized. The “I love Bern” community continues to grow steadily, generating strong organic reach across social media.
By the end of 2024, the community had reached 66,000 followers on Instagram and 73,597 on Facebook.
International Bern Welcome Desk
The International Bern Welcome Desk (IBWD) serves as the central point of contact for the international community in Bern.
In 2024, the IBWD took on the organization of the annual reception for international organizations for the first time – an event hosted in rotation by the City of Bern, the Canton of Bern, and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).
In addition, the IBWD conducted around 300 individual consultations over the course of the year.

“With their professional work, the team at the Bern Convention Bureau provides optimal support in planning and delivering events. Many thanks for the always pleasant and straightforward collaboration!”

Swiss Tourism Federation

Sustainability
Sustainability is a guiding principle in the day-to-day work of Bern Welcome.
Our approach to sustainable tourism takes into account not only our guests, but also stakeholders, employees, the environment, and the local population.
Last year, increasing attention was given to sustainable souvenir alternatives.
As an experiment, selected “BERN items” were redesigned and upcycled to create a new product cycle. This pilot project provided valuable insights and experiences.
Management Services
In 2024, the focus once again lay on creating internal development opportunities and actively supporting employee growth.
A particularly positive outcome: six talented individuals were offered permanent positions after completing their apprenticeships or internships.
In addition, Bern Welcome successfully implemented the business software Abacus – enabling more efficient processes and a more user-friendly solution for both staff and management.

Our Regions

Bern Welcome promotes the tourism regions of the City of Bern, Gantrisch, Oberaargau, Laupen, and Emmental.
As a destination management organization, it ensures that travelers from all over the world can experience the advantages of both the city and the surrounding region.

Each year, four destination meetings take place, forming an important part of collaboration between the subregions.
Together, key projects such as the further development of the ten E-bike highlight routes have been actively advanced.
Close cooperation also played a decisive role in the successful presence at “Cycle Week” in Zurich, the “Hallo Velo” festival in Bern, and the organization of the “Cycle Summit”.

Thanks to regular coordination, new cross-regional topics – such as the “Walking” campaign – can be effectively implemented.
Strong alignment enables timely integration of offers and updates, making them visible on both internal and external platforms.