The WCPT General Meeting and Congress in 2019 will be hosted by physioswiss, the Swiss Physiotherapy Association, and held in Geneva, WCPT’s Executive Board has announced.

At the conclusion of the bidding and reviewing process, which involved site visits to three destinations, the Board selected the bid from physioswiss, a WCPT member since 1963.

“We were so grateful to receive three bids of such a high quality,” said WCPT President Emma Stokes. “It will be wonderful to welcome delegates from around the world to the beautiful city of Geneva, home to the European headquarters of the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the International Committee of the Red Cross and many other global organisations.”

The WCPT Executive Board was particularly impressed by the commitment and preparation shown by physioswiss in its congress bid, which has strong backing from the local Geneva Canton (state). The location provides opportunities for the profession to collaborate with international non-governmental organisations.

“Physioswiss is very committed to making the congress a great success and we are looking forward to working with the Swiss physiotherapy community to deliver another exciting global event,” said Emma Stokes.

The WCPT Congress is now held every two years. In May it was announced that the 2017 congress will be held in Cape Town, South Africa, and planning is well underway.

Roland Paillex, President of physioswiss, said the association was delighted by the news. “I have received many positive reactions to our candidature, and the news that we have been chosen as hosts will cause even more enthusiasm,” he said.

“Welcoming the world of physiotherapy to the WCPT Congress 2019 goes with our tradition of hospitality and provides an excellent opportunity for our members to learn from diverse international experience. I promise that we will present our country and our profession in the best possible light, and would like to thank WCPT for their confidence. We will do everything we can to ensure the 2019 WCPT Congress is a success.”

Geneva is situated on the banks of Lake Geneva at the foot of the Alps. It has a long history of diversity and tolerance and today is a major cultural centre.

The city’s most famous landmark is the Jet d’Eau – the world’s tallest water fountain. It has more than 30 museums and art galleries including the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. Popular visitor attractions are cruising on the lake, relaxing in a waterfront park, wandering through the Old Town and shopping on the famous Market Street.