Open Data Insight of the Day

In August 2025, Basel experienced a notable increase in tourism activity compared to previous years. The city recorded 185,284 arrivals and 318,836 overnight stays, marking a significant rise from 2024 and 2023, where arrivals were 159,852 and 156,170, and overnight stays were 287,604 and 266,298, respectively. This reflects an approximate 16% increase in arrivals and a 20% increase in overnight stays from 2023 to 2025.

Hotel occupancy rates also improved, with 65.1% of rooms occupied in August 2025, compared to 60.0% in 2024 and 53.6% in 2023. The 4- and 5-star hotels led in overnight stays, accounting for 179,151 stays, followed by 3-star hotels with 127,578 stays. The occupancy rates suggest a preference for higher-category accommodations among visitors.

Swiss tourists were the largest group, contributing 32.1% of the total overnight stays, followed by visitors from Germany (15.0%) and the United States (8.6%). The share of Swiss tourists remained dominant, while the presence of American tourists showed a slight increase compared to previous months.

Seasonal effects were evident, with August being a peak month for tourism in Basel, possibly due to favorable weather and cultural events. The increase in tourism activity this month may also be attributed to special events or festivals drawing international visitors.

Overall, the data indicates a robust growth in Basel's tourism sector for August 2025, with increased arrivals, higher overnight stays, and improved hotel occupancy rates, reflecting a positive trend in the city's attractiveness as a travel destination.