Michelin Releases Switzerland 2010 Guide

Michelin recently launched its centennial guide to Germany, and now it is the turn of neighbour Switzerland to receive its 2010 list of fine dining establishments. The latest guide, which goes on sale on November 19 in Switzerland and shortly afterwards elsewhere, provides information on 867 hotels and 695 restaurants across all comfort and price categories within its 520 pages.

The culinary prowess of this landlocked nation may surprise – possessing a total of 101 stars, Switzerland remains the country with the greatest number of Michelin stars per capita. For 2010, the country often associated with fondue and raclette boasts two three-star restaurants, 13 two-star establishments and 69 single star eateries. The Bib Gourmand label, handed out for excellent value for money, is shared by 72 restaurants.

The global economic and financial crisis has not spared Switzerland’s hospitality sector, however. In first-half 2009, the number of hotel nights in Switzerland declined by 7.4 per cent compared with the prior-year period. However, with the UEFA Euro 2008 football tournament held in Switzerland, last year was one of the best ever for the country’s hotel industry. In general, the gourmet-dining segment has not been as seriously affected as the hotel sector, with three-star restaurants reporting smaller declines.