Travel and event industries join forces to demand immediate aid and clear leadership from the federal government

The water is more than just up to the neck: This is how André Lüthi, President of the Board of Directors of Globetrotter Travel Service, describes the situation at a media conference held jointly by the leading associations of the event, showman and travel industry on November 13, 2020. These industries probably represent the majority of hardship cases at present, i.e. those hardship cases for which the Covid 19 Act would actually have provided assistance. But on the one hand, this is not enough financially, and on the other hand, the procedure is too complicated and too time-consuming. This could "lead to the absurd situation where those entitled to hardship benefits have to file for bankruptcy before the - delayed - payments reach them," complained Max E. Katz, president of the Swiss Travel Association.

Travel and event industries with empty order books

Christoph Kamber, president of EXPO EVENT Swiss LiveCom Association, was also clear. This industry is at a complete standstill, so the "super-GAU has occurred". The aid money must therefore be paid out immediately so that the aid still arrives in time. "This requires good cooperation between the authorities and the federal government in the lead," Kamber said. A-fond-perdu contributions in the sum of at least 1 billion francs are required, which can keep inherently healthy companies alive for the time after Corona. Because due to canceled events, catering companies as well as event technology suppliers are also acutely endangered in their existence. Jörg Gantenbein, President of the Swiss Association of Technical Stages and Event Professions, also describes the situation dramatically: "We have been hit hard again by the 2nd wave and the cancellation wave has reached an extent down to zero. In normal years, our order books are now full, with not a single booked event in the pipeline for 2021. We certainly won't have any sales until Q1 2021." And because many SMEs in this sector have already had to lay off employees, a loss of know-how is also taking place. But not only this. "It's also a question of guaranteeing training in our industry," Gantenbein continues.

Events are an important economic factor

The solidarity of the event, showman and travel industry makes clear how big their economic factor is. Peter Howald, President of the Swiss Showmen's Association, for example, made it clear that 11.2 million visitors a year come to the country's funfairs and fairs, thus securing the livelihoods of many family-run businesses. Politicians do not yet seem to have recognized this to the full extent. Rather, the federal government and the cantons seem to be pushing the hardship issue back and forth like a hot potato, according to a comment also made at the media conference. And André Lüthi, for example, does not accept the argument that a certain structural adjustment is needed. "The travel industry has already been undergoing this structural adjustment for ten years. Most tour operators have done their homework in the meantime. It also needs the small travel companies!"

"Those affected need money now"

The representatives of the travel and event industries found an open ear for their concerns with National Councilor Regula Rytz. She welcomed the fact that the hardship industries speak with one voice and wants to advocate for an acceleration of the hardship program. However, she considers it unrealistic that the program will be operational by December 1, 2020 at the latest, as demanded by Max E. Katz. However, it is important to vehemently emphasize the urgency to the parties and cantonal governments.

The discussion at the media conference showed that the political mills grind more slowly than the urgency of the situation actually requires. Despite all the criticism, the industry representatives mentioned basically appreciate the hardship provision in the Covid 19 Act, which was passed in the fall session of the Federal Assembly. It is a lifeline for many companies - this simply must now take effect very quickly, with clear guidance. André Lüthi: "We could never have imagined the current situation like this. The federal government must now finally take the lead. We can't have the hot potato being handed over to the cantons." And André Béchir, Senior Advisor Gadget-abc Entertainment Group, stated, "The Swiss cultural industry is on the verge of collapse. Our 1250 companies normally generate around 3 billion Swiss francs per year and today live off their savings. Many of them will not be able to make ends meet without quick help at the end of the year and will then be a burden on the taxpayers anyway. That's why we're all appealing to the Federal Council, parliamentarians and cantons: those affected by the industries need money now - quickly and without complications."

Sources: EXPO EVENT, Swiss Travel Association, Swiss Association of Technical Stage and Event Professions, Swiss Showmen's Association