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We know the old clichés - chocolate, cheese and cuckoo clocks and, indeed, Swiss yodelling - which has just been added to UNESCO’s cultural heritage list.

It’s certainly very picturesque - think snow-topped mountains, green valleys, and azure lakes. Switzerland’s also a very prosperous, stable country, highly regarded in fields ranging from pharmaceuticals and precision manufacturing to finance and insurance. And, just like any activity it engages with, its sporting credentials rank high, too.

For Barbra Albrecht, head of Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau (SCIB), this translates into opportunities to host more sporting events and related congresses. “In a way, Switzerland is the capital of sports, with Lausanne home to the International Olympic Committee and nearly 100 international sports federations based here,” she says.

“Switzerland already hosts big sporting events such as last year’s UEFA Women’s Euros, this year’s IIHF Men's Ice Hockey World Championship and next year’s FIS Alpine World Ski Championships. As a convention bureau, we are looking to carry this momentum forward and reach out to sports federations to host further competitions and championships, especially some of the more niche sports, complementing our work of acquiring association congresses.”

Padel is one she’s eyeing for the future. And when it comes to business events, Switzerland’s an even more attractive prospect.

Organisers of congresses and conferences with more than 300 delegates will find a fantastic range of modern convention centres, with a great choice of amenities, spectacular settings and recreational activities on their doorstep.

Lidia Hennebry of event management agency Principal. Global Events was totally won over when she competed in the recent ‘Switzerland Meeting Trophy’.

“What truly sets it apart is the execution," she says. "Every hotelier, DMC and venue partner taking part in this year’s event operated with unparalleled precision and warmth, ensuring this complex destination showcase ran without a hitch and highlighted the absolute best of each location visited.

“Additionally, the country's legendary train infrastructure is a massive asset for event planners. The travel system is efficient, pristine and punctual, making it effortless to move large groups comfortably through panoramic valleys to access different regions. Throughout our entire trip, we only had one car transfer and that was with me driving members of our team from Crans-Montana to Montreux as part of the challenge!

“Prior to this, my experience of working in Switzerland involved hosting incentive programmes in Zurich and Lucerne. Our clients' events started off at the Dolder Grand Hotel in Zurich and moved to an exclusive incentive retreat at the iconic Bürgenstock Resort, overlooking Lake Lucerne. Both experiences showcased Switzerland’s ability to deliver ultra-luxury on a grand scale. The itineraries were elevated by a range of high-end transfers and activities, from private jet transfers and helicopter rides over Alpine peaks to exclusive watchmaking workshops and sunset yacht charters.

“For any client looking to inspire their delegates, maximise productivity and offer a truly unique luxury experience, Switzerland shouldn’t just be on the radar, it should be at the very top of the list.”