From the 23rd to the 26th of January will see the Geneva-based WEF (World Economic Forum) hold it’s 48th annual conference in Davos-Klosters. A record number of heads of state as well as leaders in business, civil society, academia, media and the arts will descend on the mountain resort in the eastern Alps.
The Davos Congress Centre, built in 1969, has hosted the conference since 1971. Following the most recent upgrade in 2010, the congress centre can host up to 5,000 attendees with 34 high-tech rooms for 20 to 18,000 people.
The WEF's annual conference generates around CHF 40 million for the city’s economy. Congress tourism in Davos is a booming industry, generating around CHF 100 million of Davos-Klosters total CHF 950 million annual turnover.
With more than 90 hotels, 15 of which specialise in meetings and seminars, Davos is well-equipped for it’s role as the leader of the mountain meeting market. The city has a long history as a congress venue. From it’s mid 19th century background as a spa venue for tuberculosis patients, it developed into a research centre in the early 20th century. Today, medical and scientific conferences still play an important role in the city’s economy.
In 2016, a CHF 90 million project was unveiled which will create 100 new jobs. The five-star La Montana hotel will contain a spa, wellness facility, indoor and outdoor pools in addition to various banquet and congress halls. Although the start date is uncertain, the project will undoubtably be a big boost for Davos' flourishing conference industry.
Sources: Swiss Congress
Photo: Intagram: chharmstone
