Bern
Switzerland
GDN DESTINATION REPORT
Overview: Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is a leading destination for governmental events, international conferences, and institutional gatherings in Europe. Known for its political stability, diplomatic presence, and high quality of life, Bern plays a key role within the Governmental Destination Network (GDN). With its modern infrastructure, commitment to sustainability, and strong focus on international cooperation, Bern is an ideal destination for high-level international meetings and global events.
Infrastructure and services
Recent Updates: Bern has made significant investments in its infrastructure to support its growing role as a hub for international events. Bern Airport and Zurich Airport provide excellent global connectivity, and venues such as the Kursaal Bern and the Bern Expo offer state-of-the-art facilities for large-scale governmental and institutional gatherings. Bern's focus on security, event logistics, and sustainability makes it a well-prepared destination for hosting high-profile international events.
Benchmarking destinations
Comparison with Other Key Destinations: Bern competes with other major European cities such as Vienna and Brussels for governmental and institutional events. While Brussels is known for its European institutions, Bern distinguishes itself with its neutrality, political stability, and commitment to international diplomacy, making it a prime destination for events focused on governance, diplomacy, and international cooperation.
Growth projections
Growth Projections: According to WTTC and local Swiss authorities, Bern is expected to experience annual growth of 4% to 6% in the governmental and institutional events sector over the next five years. This growth is driven by Switzerland's expanding role in global diplomacy, investments in infrastructure, and its reputation as a leader in innovation and sustainability.
Successful experiences
World Health Assembly: Bern regularly hosts high-profile international events, including the World Health Assembly, bringing together global health leaders to discuss and shape international health policy. This event highlighted Bern's ability to facilitate high-level international discussions and further solidified its reputation as a hub for global governance.
Testimonials
Alain Berset, President of Switzerland: 'Bern is a city of diplomacy and innovation, providing world-class facilities for international events that shape the future of global governance and cooperation.' Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization: 'Bern's political stability and commitment to international cooperation make it an ideal destination for discussions on global health and governance.'
Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Green Initiatives: Bern is a global leader in sustainability, with major conference venues incorporating renewable energy, energy-efficient technologies, and comprehensive recycling programs. The city promotes green mobility, including cycling, electric vehicles, and public transportation, to reduce the environmental impact of large events.
Social impact
Local Development: Governmental and institutional events in Bern contribute significantly to the local economy by creating jobs and supporting local businesses, particularly in the hospitality, tourism, and services sectors. Bern emphasizes the inclusion of local suppliers and service providers in event planning, ensuring that international conferences benefit the broader community.
Conclusion
Key Points Summary: Bern continues to grow as a leading destination within the GDN, offering modern infrastructure, political stability, and a reputation for hosting high-level governmental and institutional events. With strong growth projections and a focus on sustainability and global cooperation, Bern is well-positioned to continue attracting major international conferences and meetings in the years ahead.
The information presented in this GDN REPORT on government destinations has been prepared to offer a comprehensive overview of the most strategic destinations globally. In this research process, a wide range of sources and studies carried out by prestigious international consulting, tourism and travel firms, as well as by international organizations such as the WTTC and UN Tourism, have been used. In addition, local, national and international reports have been incorporated, ensuring a comprehensive and global perspective. To ensure accuracy and scientific rigor, data mining techniques, algorithms and artificial intelligence have been applied in the collection and analysis of the information. The result has been synthesized and condensed to offer clear, concise and truthful data, designed to provide decision-makers with the necessary tools to understand and make the most of the potential of these destinations. Our goal is to support the planning and organization of high-level events with accurate and relevant information, thus strengthening the role of each destination in diplomacy and international cooperation.