Since 2008, the gold standard for judging which countries are the most innovative has been an annual report (Global Innovation Index 2017) released by Cornell University, INSEAD, and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). And for the last six years, Switzerland has been ranked number one!!
Our amazing but tiny country has managed to stay at the top because it consistently leads the world in per-capita patent applications, novel use of cutting-edge technology, and university programs that groom new talent.
If only the rest of the world could follow the example set by Switzerland. Innovation isn’t everything we do; no nation on the planet has a better record for avoiding war and political conflict. And it’s not like we don’t put ourselves out there.
But how can you leverage and experience all the above examples of excellence? Every July for the last 13 years, the Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau has tempted fate and possible international incident by bringing 80 or so highly competitive meeting and incentive planners from a dozen countries spread across Europe, Russia, and North America to compete for the Switzerland Meeting Trophy (powered by Ovation Switzerland), an elaborate road rally around Switzerland to build interest in the country.
“An event like this is especially crucial in helping a destination like Switzerland create brand awareness,” says Caroline Pidroni, Director of Sales and Marketing, North America, at the Switzerland Convention and Incentive Bureau. “When people think of countries as travel destinations, sometimes they have a hard time seeing beyond the cities — England becomes London, France becomes Paris, and so on. The Swiss Meeting Trophy enables us to break through that perception by highlighting our cities as well as the great experiences available in the countryside.”
Kathy Gibbons, sourcing manager, Creative Group, Inc., says the trip has changed the way she is going to source events moving forward. “I normally don’t bring in the CVB or tourist board, but this trip has opened my eyes up to that because now I see how much they bring to the table,” she said. “That’s what makes the activities so crucial. On the surface, it’s just fun and games, but they really do give you insight into what the experience will be like for a group that you bring to the country.” (source: incentivemag.com)
Ovation Switzerland is the official DMC Partner of Switzerland Tourism. With a team of 12, we manage the entire country and we know every corner of the country by heart. 30 years of experience, 30 years of enthusiasm. People and relationships are in the DNA of our company. Through our openness, passion and expertise we make your vision a reality. We make it happen!
Find out more about Switzerland here.