St. Gallen, located in the heart of Eastern Switzerland, is rapidly emerging as a leader of innovation and entrepreneurship. 

The city has a strategic location with direct transportation links to Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein. It blends its rich historical background with its emerging status as a leading global destination for business events.

Traditional industries like precision engineering and textiles continue to anchor its economic stability. At the same time, St. Gallen is embracing a new identity. This is shaped by cutting-edge research and the fresh dynamism of startups.

This transformation is largely fueled by the collaborative efforts of local institutions. These include: University of St. Gallen, Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (OST) and the Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen. These collaboration is bridging the old with the new.

During my visits to St. Gallen in September 2023 and March 2024, the city’s innovative spirit was unmistakable.

St. Gallen is now making significant advancements in sectors such as IT, healthcare, and agriculture. This progress is further fuelled by proactive government initiatives supporting startups.

With an investment strategy aimed at empowering entrepreneurs, the local government is enhancing St. Gallen’s economic landscape. This approach helps the city raise its global standing. It puts St. Gallen on par with top-tier destinations like London and Berlin in attracting global talents and events.

The Swiss resort Interlaken is a prime destination for congresses, exhibitions, meetings and of course, incentive travel. Incentives are a unique aspect of MICE (Meeting, Incentive Travel, Conferences and Exhibitions) travel because they can be customised to the tastes of the client and are highly exclusive. On a visit to Interlaken in April, I had the pleasure of interviewing Camilla Struben, Team Leader MICE at Congress Kursaal Interlaken, about why Interlaken is the perfect destination for incentive travel. Camilla shared the variety of possibilities for incentives in Interlaken and how the Congress Kursaal Interlaken can support event planners for organisations.

Interlaken caters for different group sizes and requirements and offers a variety of programmes for incentives, ranging from adventures to luxurious activities. The destination provides access to privatise hotels and venues, surrounded by beautiful lakes and mountains. The availability of customisable programmes and the natural environment makes it an extraordinary experience.  

Even though Interlaken is small, it has many possibilities. There are more than 30 hotels and a variety of venues, including the Kursaal Interlaken. There are rooms for more than 1,000 people. As the adventure capital of Switzerland, it is centrally located with easy access by train.

This interview will showcase the destination and what activities can be organised for corporate groups.