Editorial by Peter Fulton, President Hyatt International
Peter Fulton
Group President Hyatt International EAME & Southwest Asia
Safety and accessibility are the decisive factors in choosing Switzerland as a MICE destination
Safety and accessibility are the decisive factors in choosing Switzerland as a MICE destination. According to different studies, Switzerland is one of the ten safest countries in the world. Furthermore, a safety report by the ETH Zurich claims that 95 percent of the Swiss respondents feel secure in their country. These figures speak for them- selves.
A second argument would be the excellent infrastructure and the attractive connections within Europe and beyond. Efficient connections save time and ensure simple and stress-free travel for meeting attendees; a point that should not be overlooked in the MICE planning process.
Furthermore, in Switzerland everything is nearby. After a long day, conference delegates can travel to the charming city center for dinner, where they will find both traditional Swiss fare and fine-dining restaurants.
But it is not just the mix of tradition and innovation that makes Switzerland so special; it is also the slower pace of life that takes hold as soon as you arrive. Why is this? Maybe it is the Swiss way of life: successful in business yet always focused on peace. This is also reflected in the 2018 Best Countries Report, which was topped by Switzerland.
Within Switzerland, Zurich plays a key role. The Circle Convention Center at Zurich Airport will provide a fantastic and innovative option for any kind of conference and will boost the attractiveness of Switzerland as a MICE destination. Hyatt will not only open two hotels there, we will also operate the convention center. The Hyatt Regency and Hyatt Place hotels will add more than 550 additional rooms at The Circle which is very exciting for us.
Whether it is your closest team or your biggest client, meetings and events are about encouraging attendees to think or act differently. These days, conference attendees are looking for inspiration; a positive environment which offers energizing and enriching experiences. Switzerland has a lot to offer in this respect. The surrounding countryside and the mountains are marvelous. A team outing, in the Swiss Alps for example, could be a great way to boost motivation!
Peter Fulton