10 reasons to choose Lausanne-Montreux

In the heart of Europe, just 40 minutes from Geneva International Airport, Lausanne and Montreux are thriving and cosmopolitan cities on a human scale, surrounded by stunning scenery: snow-peaked Alps, Lake Geneva with its beautiful natural light shows and the terraced vineyards of Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

The area possesses many assets that will meet your needs in event planning, with many locations to suit your specific requirements.

1. Environmental concern

Ranked by the “Global Destination Sustainability Index” (GDS-Index) since 2018, Lausanne and Montreux wish to strengthen their performances to develop a responsible destination that brings value to its inhabitants, the environment and local businesses.

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2. Accessibility

Lausanne and Montreux are ideally located in the heart of Europe and benefit from their proximity to Geneva Airport, with its 150 direct flight routes from Europe’s main cities.

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3. Quality and safety in the heart of Europe

Named one of the safest countries in the world by the Global Peace Index in 2018, Switzerland is open to the world as part of the Schengen area. The combination of reliable service, political stability and clockwork efficiency guarantees the success of your event.

4. Accommodation and catering

From the simple inn to the luxury hotel, the destination boasts a wide range of accommodation and offers more than 6,000 rooms. With the highest density of top-ranked restaurants in Switzerland, the Lausanne-Montreux area is a welcoming and gourmet paradise.

5. The lowest VAT in Europe

A VAT rate of only 7.7%. Overnight stays in hotels, with breakfast included, benefit from a special VAT rate of 3.7%. In most establishments, breakfast, WiFi and access to wellness areas (when available) are included in the price.

6. A cosmopolitan area on a human scale

Lausanne and Montreux have become a premier business destination thanks to their quality infrastructures. The region welcomes large-scale events every year.

7. A location in the heart of the Lake Geneva « Health Valley »

Scientific and entrepreneurial dynamism in the field of health: companies, start-ups, research and training centres involved in the fields of pharmaceuticals, biotechnologies and medical technologies.

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8. A centre of competence for studies, research and innovation

More than 200 schools and universities, some of which are highly renowned (EPFL, UNIL, IMD, EHL, Glion …) bring together multiple centres of competence (life sciences, micro- and nanotechnologies, information and communication technologies, technologies linked to energy and the environment, technologies linked to agribusiness, to name the main ones).

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9. Many options for activities and excursions

On the shores of Lake Geneva and at the foot of the Alps, the region offers a rich choice of exclusive and diverse locations with many excursions by train, boat or on foot that make for visits with varied themes (watches, chocolate, cheese, wine…). The region organises major events throughout the year, such as the internationally acclaimed Montreux Jazz Festival or the international athletics meeting Athletissima.

10. Quality, free transport in the destination

The excellent infrastructures enable rapid travel in the region, the rest of the country and the whole of Europe. Guests lodging in a hotel benefit from free public transport.

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