Swiss watchmakers counting the clock until Chinese tourists return

GENEVA: Switzerland's major luxury watch brands are cautiously optimistic that Chinese tourists will boost sales this year, if they return to Europe in large numbers after the easing of domestic COVID-19 restrictions.

Exports to China, a key market for watchmakers, contracted by 13.6 per cent in 2022 due to Beijing's zero-COVID policy and the surge in infections when it was lifted at the end of the year.

However, exports began to rebound in February - up 8.2 per cent year-on-year, according to the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry.