Swiss Post's Sunny Side Venture: Yellow Mailboxes Spark Curiosity in Spanish Tourist Spots

As sun-seeking tourists bask in the warmth of Spanish destinations like Gran Canaria, they might come across a peculiar sight: yellow mailboxes adorned with the unmistakable Swiss Post logo. The surprise discovery has led many to wonder about the purpose of these foreign fixtures and their connection to the recent postal changes back in Switzerland.

While the closure of post offices and job cuts make headlines in Switzerland, the Swiss Post's presence on holiday islands seems to be more about fostering nostalgia than trimming costs. According to spokesman Stefan Dauner, these Swiss Post-branded mailboxes have been a staple in Spanish tourist locations since 2011. Initially found in mainland Spain, they have now expanded to the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, and Catalonia, with approximately 1,000 such mailboxes in operation.

Contrary to assumptions, these mailboxes are not operated directly by the Swiss Post but by the Asendia Group, a joint venture formed in 2012 between the Swiss Post and the French "La Poste." Stefan Dauner clarifies that the Swiss Post holds a 40 percent stake in Asendia, and the venture remains independently profitable, contributing to the Swiss Post's healthy finances.

"The aim of the mailboxes is to motivate tourists to send postcards," says Dauner. While the exact figures remain undisclosed for competitive reasons, the service is reportedly popular among tourists, and Asendia views it as a niche but profitable business.

The distinctive Swiss Post-branded mailboxes are not the only foreign touch in this venture. As reported by a Gran Canaria news scout, adhesive labels resembling Swiss stamps are available locally. Dauner clarifies that these are Asendia's adhesive labels, not Swiss stamps, specially designed for sending postcards through the yellow mailboxes. These labels are conveniently sold in souvenir shops, kiosks, hotels, and campsites, catering to tourists eager to capture and share their vacation memories.

Importantly, Dauner emphasizes that the international venture has no bearing on the current economic challenges faced by the Swiss Post domestically. "The Swiss Post's investment in Asendia contributes to an annual dividend that Asendia pays out to the Swiss Post," he explains. As the cross-border postal market in the EU, including Spain, is liberalized, Swiss Post's involvement in Asendia does not constitute competition with other postal companies abroad.

So, while Swiss Post navigates changes at home, its sunny side venture in Spanish tourist spots serves as a testament to the enduring charm of handwritten postcards, even in the digital age.