Central Switzerland Lift Co’s (TUZ) Gather For General Meeting

The members of the Central Switzerland Transport Companies (TUZ) gathered for their general meeting on the Brienzer Rothorn in Sörenberg.

Economic importance of mountain railways

In his annual review, René Koller, President of the Central Switzerland Transport Companies (TUZ) and Director of Bergbahnen Sörenberg AG, emphasized the central importance of mountain railways and tourist transport companies for the economic development of mountain regions. They are essential for access to tourist attractions, job creation, and strengthening the local economy in peripheral and mountain areas. A study published by the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts in December 2024 impressively demonstrates this: Bergbahnen Sörenberg AG, together with other direct service providers in the region, generates around CHF 53 million in gross value added. Koller also emphasized the important role of the TUZ association in repeatedly highlighting the economic importance of tourist transport companies and raising awareness among politicians, administrators, and the public.

In her address, Hella Schnider, Mayor of Flühli and Lucerne Cantonal Councillor, emphasized the central role of mountain railways in the development of mountain communities. She described them as the driving force of the region and emphasized their importance not only for tourism, but also for the local population – be it through jobs, leisure activities, or regional accessibility. She particularly emphasized the importance of sustainability in all three dimensions. An economically viable region is a prerequisite for ecological and social sustainability. She cited the Entlebuch Biosphere and the "Rothorn Retrofit" railway project in her region as successful examples, which she said exemplify the connection between ecological and economic goals.

Season review: Challenging summer – successful winter

The Central Swiss mountain railways look back on a mixed financial year: While the summer of 2024 was challenging due to the weather, resulting in an 8 percent decline in guest numbers compared to the previous year, frequencies were still well above the five-year average. Businesses with a high proportion of international guests in particular benefited from improved capacity utilization. In contrast, the 2024/25 winter season was extremely successful. Thanks to ideal snow and weather conditions, the snow sports resorts of Central Switzerland recorded stable and high guest numbers. The number of first-time visitors increased by a pleasing 20 percent compared to the previous year.

Successful tourist transport associations

Managing Director Adrian Bühlmann presented encouraging figures from the tourism transport associations. In 2024, the Tell Pass, Snow Pass Central Switzerland, and Ambassador Pass achieved total revenue of over CHF 5 million for the first time, representing an increase of 5 percent over the previous year.

Re-elections to the Board

Frédéric Füssenich, CEO of Rigi-Bahnen AG and TUZ Vice President, and Marco Leu, CFO of Titlis-Bahnen AG, were confirmed in their positions.

Economic situation in Central Switzerland

Following the general meeting, Adrian Derungs, Director of the Central Switzerland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHZ), presented the Central Switzerland Economic Cockpit. He analyzed the current economic situation in the region and highlighted the impact of tariffs on exporting companies and their indirect effects on the tourism industry.