Zurich is constantly evolving, with new venues, tour options and support programmes to inspire international event planners.
An economic and scientific hub, Zurich, Switzerland's largest city, has an array of experiences, venues and hotels for all kinds of business events. The cosmopolitan city is constantly evolving, with new venues, tour options and support programmes to inspire international event planners.
As more and more business travellers return to the skies, here are six reasons to consider Zurich as the host destination for your next international meeting:
Ease of access
With direct flights from more than 60 countries, Zurich is well connected (12 hours from Singapore and Tokyo) with convenient links throughout the city, ensuring the return to international travel is as seamless as possible. In fact, the journey from Zurich Airport baggage reclaim to the city centre takes just 15 minutes by train.
Safety first
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic Switzerland Tourism launched the “Clean & Safe” initiative, which features six industry-specific certifications, including one for business events.
The “Clean & Safe” label is a sign of assurance for event planners and delegates, demonstrating the venue has made a conscious commitment to comply with newly-established health and safety measures.
New venues for the new normal
Zurich Airport is now home to The Circle, a convention centre with capacity for up to 1,500 guests. Ideal for congresses with many breakouts as well as car launches, the centre also features two brand new Hyatt hotels with more than 550 rooms.
The newly re-opened Zurich Convention Center is a unique European venue with the flexibility to host myriad events, from gala dinners and trade fairs, to conferences for up to 2,000 delegates. Switzerland's newest congress centre is also taking on a pioneering role in climate protection and is climate-neutral – including all catering services.
Overlooking Lake Zurich, the Swiss Re Centre for Global Dialogue is a high-calibre business resort located just 15 minutes from Zurich. The rooms, video infrastructure, and online communication platforms allow clients to host in-person, virtual and hybrid events.
Ideal for chocolate lovers
For a post-meeting sweetener, the newly opened Lindt Home of Chocolate offers chocolate-making workshops, the world’s largest Lindt Shop, and the world’s largest chocolate fountain, which is eight meters tall. There’s also an interactive exhibition and a research facility. For hybrid or virtual events, the venue offers virtual tours.
Zurich is home to a plethora of new venues that cater to in-person, virtual and hybrid meetings.“Swisstainable” green meetings
This year, the Swiss tourism industry also launched “Swisstainable”, a sustainability programme that visiting corporate groups can use to find service providers that have certifications in sustainable travel.
Zurich has a plethora of green venues and the destination ranks third in the esteemed Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index, a testament to its sophisticated sustainability practices.
Support for event planners
Event planners can take advantage of the expertise and experience of local specialists at Zürich Tourism’s Convention Bureau, which offers professional advice and assistance in the planning and execution of conventions, conferences and corporate meetings.
This article is brought to you by Switzerland Tourism and Zurich Tourism