In April 2025, 35 event experts traded planes for trains on a best-in-class learning trip to Switzerland, earning a distinction from ESG’s Sustainability Experts Event: Decision.
The journey, which spans approximately 1,902km, is a groundbreaking collaboration between UK event planners, Switzerland tourism and transportation partners, redefines sustainable mouse travel.
Blueprints for sustainable business travel
With travelling up to 80% of the event’s carbon footprint, this flight-free trip proved that sustainability and exceptional experiences are closely linked.
The journey was co-created by the Swiss Convention and Incentives Bureau (SCIB), Zurich Convention Bureau, Lucerne Convention Bureau, Eurostar, TGV Lilia, Metropolis DMC, and Evolution Events.
The train itinerary included an exclusive Eurostar carriage, a transfer of rapeseed fuel coaches in Paris, and a two-storey TGV Lilia with attractive and mindful activities. The final leg featured a vintage red arrow train passing through the Swiss midlands with alpine views.
“We’re committed to providing a range of services to our customers,” said EuroStar for Business & Mice, senior lead at Inge Bauwens. “Eurostar’s business travel offerings go beyond transportation alone. It’s about making part of the event. With an expanded network reaching beyond the hub cities, Eurostar offers an even more sustainable way to cross Europe.”
Lucerne: Responsible luxury and circular thinking
In Lucerne, sustainability was embedded every time. From itineraries with QR codes printed on Apple to accommodations with local sourcing initiatives. Representatives had dinner at Neubad, where reused swimming pools became cultural spaces.
The representative explored the city on foot. Highlights, including public fountains, provided networking with local suppliers with free drinking water, lunch and low-emission boats, led to a chalismatic local Kirsch tasting on the Rigi Baan (Switzerland’s most sustainable mountain railway).
Zurich: Innovation meets ESG
The last stop, Zurich, has dived deep into sustainable urban life. The representative stayed at the Hotel Zurichwest for 25 hours and ate at Elmira, the Michelin Green Star restaurant.
Divided into walking and running tours, participants explored the green space, visited Freitag’s Recycle Bags HQ, and enjoyed pastries at the St. Jacob Bakery at Social Enterprise.
The Circulating Economy Workshop, led by the Zurich Convention Bureau, introduced the “5 R” framework, followed by practical cooking classes addressing food waste. The trip, accompanied by live music from a local folk band, ended with a vintage tram aperitif tour and dinner at Hauss Mulden, Zurich’s oldest restaurant, offering a memorable evening of authentic culture and connection.
Impact and industry shift
The carbon savings from London to Zurich alone were incredible. The passengers on the train cost 11kg and 195kg on the plane. It is equivalent to illuminating the Eiffel Tower for an hour and over two days.
“We’ve been working hard to get started,” said Anna Peters, creative director at Evolve Events.
“We’re looking forward to seeing you in the future,” said Reto Konrad, manager of Scib UK & Areland. “This trip highlights the power of collaboration in the mouse industry and demonstrates how Switzerland can not only lead sustainable tourism, but also provide a model of global destinations.”
“Swiss commitment to sustainability is deeply embedded in our culture, from our transportation infrastructure to event venues. This trip shows how effortlessly sustainability can be integrated into business events, providing planners with a practical and fun way to meet ESG targets.”
Travel participants felt inspired and empowered by the end of the trip. Charlie Pepperrell now said:
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