Corinne Suter flies the flag for Canton Schwyz
The negative effects of COVID-19 on the economy of Schwyz are great. Many companies have suffered considerable losses of revenue. In May, the cantonal council therefore approved a supplementary credit of CHF 2.5 million for an impulse programme. A broad-based sympathy and marketing campaign as well as sustainable projects are intended to stimulate consumption and investment and strengthen tourism. Unlike many other cantons, the canton of Schwyz is not relying exclusively on a tourism campaign. The impulse programme "Hopp Schwyz" aims to support the entire economy, from SMEs to gastronomy businesses to tourism providers. "We have deliberately chosen a holistic approach," explains Cantonal Councillor Andreas Barraud, Director of Economic Affairs for the Canton of Schwyz. "All businesses were affected by the lockdown. With this campaign, we want to send a clear signal that we stand behind our economy and support it as a whole. The motto 'Hopp Schwyz' is intended to make people aware that together we can make a difference."
The "Hopp Schwyz" impulse programme is also supported by the most important interest groups within the canton. Under the leadership of the Office of Economic Affairs, Schwyz Tourism with the four tourism regions, Gastro Schwyz, the Cantonal Schwyz Trade Association (KSGV), the Schwyz Business Association H+I, the Schwyz Technology Centre and the Association of Master Builders are working on the programme.
"Hopp Schwyz" on company facades, in gardens and on the Grossen Mythen
The "Hopp Schwyz" impulse programme is deliberately structured in several phases. In the first phase, the population is to be motivated to consume and invest more in the canton of Schwyz. From Wednesday, 24 March, large-format "Hopp Schwyz" posters will therefore be installed at symbolic and well-frequented locations. For example, at the Seehof in Küssnacht, the Luxram building in Goldau, the Seedamm Plaza in Pfäffikon, the two ravens culture and congress centre in Einsiedeln or the Arthur Weber company building in Galgenen. Symbolically, the "Hopp Schwyz" flag is also hoisted at the government building of the Canton of Schwyz, at various municipal administrations and many catering establishments, for example on the Grossen Mythen. "The gastronomy sector in particular has suffered enormous losses in turnover. Now that the situation is returning to normal, we want to invite the population to our restaurants with good offers and provide them with enjoyable experiences," says Marco Heinzer of Gastro Schwyz.
To give the campaign as much visibility as possible, private individuals can also obtain 1 x 1 metre "Hopp Schwyz" flags free of charge in almost all municipalities of the canton in at least one shop with a voucher from the local and regional newspapers of the canton of Schwyz. Anyone who places their flag prominently in the garden, on the balcony railings or on the façade of a house can submit a photo of it and win a great competition prize.
Personalities stand up for Canton Schwyz
The impulse programme is also supported by personalities from Canton Schwyz who stand up for Canton Schwyz in these economically difficult times. From the end of June, ski racer Corinne Suter, entrepreneur Carl Elsener, restaurateur Marco Heinzer and yodeller Nadja Räss will be flying the flag for Canton Schwyz on F12 posters and in newspaper advertisements. "We were very pleased that these people spontaneously agreed to support our campaign," explains Andreas Barraud, Director of Economic Affairs.
From printed participatory newspaper to social media
During the impulse programme, gastronomy businesses and SMEs are motivated to launch their own campaigns. For example, a bakery could launch a "Hopp Schwyz" bread or a restaurant creates an unforgettable "Hopp Schwyz" menu with ingredients from Canton Schwyz. "From the end of July, we will feature the most original ideas monthly in the participatory newspaper, which will be delivered to all households," explains Heinz Theiler, Vice-President of the KSGV. "In addition, we are using social media spots to show that the money spent in the canton results in further investments and secures jobs. Or in other words: consume locally, invest in Schwyz".
Major tourism campaign from August
After the activation phase, the "Hopp Schwyz" impulse programme will start with a major tourism campaign in autumn. This will be developed in the coming weeks by Schwyz Tourism and the four tourism regions. It is intended to appeal to the Swiss population from the urban belt and attract them to Canton Schwyz. "Many cantons have launched a tourism campaign for the summer holidays. But the bookings for the summer are already quite good. Our campaign therefore deliberately starts in August and promotes autumn and winter. We are convinced that our tourism industry will benefit more from this," explains Vendelin Coray, Managing Director of Schwyz Tourism.
Sustainable projects
A total of CHF 2.5 million is available for the impulse programme. The project is managed by the Office of Economic Affairs of the Canton of Schwyz. Of the total sum, around 800,000 francs are available for sustainable projects. "We don't just want to run a sympathy and marketing campaign for the Schwyz economy," explains Urs Durrer, head of the Office of Economic Affairs. "We also want to work with the business community to develop projects that will benefit the industries in the long term." This third phase of the impulse programme will start in the second half of the year. The projects are expected to be implemented in 2021.