Switzerland’s Andermatt Summit redefines alpine incentive travel

Thursday, March 21, 2024

The SITE Incentive Summit Europe recently wrapped up in Andermatt, Switzerland, where 60 professionals from the incentive travel industry came together to forge and strengthen cultural connections, while exploring innovative ideas for Alpine incentive events.

Marking its fourth installment, the Summit has seen previous editions in locations such as Verbier and Geneva/Montreux in Switzerland, and Ljubljana/Bled in Slovenia.

Championing a boutique approach and maintaining an intimate atmosphere, the Incentive Summit Europe prioritizes excellence and creativity in every aspect: from fostering meaningful relationships and educational opportunities, to deepening the understanding of the destinations and bringing fresh ideas to event planning and execution.

The event was hosted at the exquisite Radisson Blu Hotel in Andermatt, which opened its doors in 2019. The three-day agenda was filled with vibrant networking events at the Chedi and Cotton Club, insightful plenary discussions about the future of incentive travel and the art of event design, alongside unique activities such as ice sculpting and llama trekking that took advantage of the breathtaking mountainous landscape.

“Incentive Summit Europe is now an established fixture, along with Incentive Summit Americas, in SITE’s annual calendar of events. The ’boutique’ dimension of our Summit Series allows us to connect meaningfully with attendees and mediate quality learning and destination immersion experiences that highlight the unique role of incentive travel in bridging and building cultures. We’re extremely grateful to the Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau (SCIB) for their gracious partnership since the launch of Incentive Summit Europe in 2018,” said SITE CEO Annette Gregg, MBA, CMM.

“As the world’s only destination marketing organization (DMO) to include the word ‘incentive’ in its name, we certainly demonstrate our unequivocal commitment to the incentive travel sector,” said Barbra Albrecht, Head of Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau. “With great connectivity by air and rail, unparalleled hospitality infrastructure, and undisputed destination appeal, Switzerland is the incentive destination par excellence. We’re thrilled to showcase Andermatt to SITE’s global community as an emerging year-round, integrated resort that sets out a new vision for Alpine incentives.”

“A key element in this new vision for Alpine incentives is the unwavering commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors that’s at the heart of all we do,” said Andreas Meier, General Manager of the Radisson Blu Reussen, Andermatt. “These factors are central to our ownership, management and franchise structure; to our food, beverage and housekeeping protocols, to our staff relations and, crucially, to our outreach into the local village community. Hotel facilities are made available, for example, to older citizens and mother and baby groups. We’re delighted to have been able to share our sustainability commitment with SITE’s global community.”

Looking ahead, the SITE Incentive Summit Series will continue with the Incentive Summit Americas, set to take place in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, in July.

« Back to Page