Heading into the New Year with Valais

Dear journalists,

Valais wishes you a happy 2021.

We’re starting the New Year by taking a quick look back at ten good-news stories from the past year, which was marked by the vagaries of the coronavirus. And even if you can't visit us currently, we’re happy to bring you a breath of fresh mountain air and a slice of Valais winter fun. Although creativity and flexibility are definitely required at the moment, the Valais winter is as fabulous as ever. We have enriched our press kit with further news and present you in this media information a flurry of positive moments from 2020, the "Clean & Safe" label, tips for experiencing Valais from home, as well as two exciting personalities.

Would you like to find out more about Valais? Don’t hesitate to contact us: we would be delighted to provide you with further information or organise interviews.

Overview of 2020: ten positive moments for the Valais

2020 has been a tough year in more ways than one. Faced with the crisis linked to COVID-19, the world economy has been turned upside down, our daily habits have had to be adjusted to a new normal and everyone's calendars have been constantly reshuffled. Nonetheless, although the past year has been marked by the ups and downs of the coronavirus, it has also been a year of positive moments. We would like to present ten of them to you. You’ll find more detailed information on each highlight via the media release link on the right.

1. Valais will be organising the 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships.

2. The canton has invested 16 million Swiss francs in the Valais economy with the "Valais Tourism" project.

3. Located in Visp, Lonza will manufacture part of the Covid-19 vaccine developed by the American biopharmaceutical firm Moderna.

4. Valais is the fourth Swiss canton to host the largest number of the most promising national start-ups.

5. Figures for winter 2019-20 were positive for Valais ski lift operators despite the premature closure of the facilities.

6. Since the summer of 2020 the Valais has 11 new signposted cycle routes.

7. The Valais Wines Open Cellar Days were able to take place.

8. The first vintage of Valais brand wines was marketed in 2020.

9. The Valais brand enjoyed a record year in terms of new specifications registered.

10. Several events proved able to adapt to the situation and were held in a new format.

“Clean & Safe” label

After the spring lockdown, tourism industry associations in Switzerland launched a "Clean & Safe" label, aimed at showing guests that they are visiting an establishment that has consciously committed to adhering to the protective measures concept. The aim is to strengthen confidence in Switzerland as a safe and clean destination. The label has been extended to mountain railways, accommodation, gastronomy, wellness & spa, business events, public transport, shipping and other tourism service providers.