In April, 35 event professionals swapped planes for trains on a best-in-class study trip to Switzerland, earning a Distinction in ESG from sustainability experts event:decision…
Background
With travel responsible for up to 80% of an event’s carbon footprint, more delegates are open to alternatives to flying, but for many, the logistics of group train travel across Europe still feel daunting. Could overland travel really work for business events? And could the journey itself become part of the experience?
That was what Evolve Events creative director Anna Peters set out to prove with the Go Sustainable Study Trip by train – in partnership with Eurostar, TGV Lyria and Metropolis DMC. Switzerland, with its world-class rail network and leadership in sustainable transport, quickly emerged as the ideal destination and the Swiss Convention & Incentive Bureau, Zurich Tourism and Lucerne Convention Bureau were quick to come on board to support the programme.
The Journey: A Seamless, Sustainable Experience
The train itinerary included an exclusive Eurostar carriage, with personalised check-in and priority boarding, breakfast featuring locally sourced, sustainable ingredients, setting the tone for a journey built on conscious choices, and a Switzerland-themed quiz.
Inge Bauwens, senior lead, Eurostar for Business & MICE, says: “Eurostar’s offering for business travel goes beyond just transportation. It’s about making the journey part of the event. With our expanded network now reaching beyond hub cities, Eurostar offers an even more sustainable way for business travel across Europe.”
In Paris, multiple transfer options exist between stations, and for this trip, a rapeseed oil-powered bus, organised by Metropolis DMC, ensured a smooth and sustainable ride to Gare de Lyon. From there, TGV Lyria whisked the group through France toward Basel. Three hours of eating, chatting, drinking, reading and gazing out the window later, the majestic Swiss mountains rose on the horizon.
The final leg featured the iconic Red Arrow, a 1930s vintage railcar train through the Swiss Midlands with alpine views. “The 1930s carriage elevated the whole journey. This is the kind of unique, premium experience guests wouldn’t access on their own. It made train travel not just viable but desirable,” says Event Concept’s Becky Dicks.
Arriving in Lucerne with a carbon footprint approximately 94% lower than flying, participants saw first-hand how sustainable travel can strengthen connections and deliver standout impact.
Lucerne: Responsible Luxury & Circular Thinking
In Lucerne, sustainability was embedded at every turn; from a QR-code itinerary printed on an apple to accommodation with local sourcing initiatives. Dinner at Neubad, a repurposed swimming pool turned cultural space, showcased adaptive reuse.
Delegates explored the city on foot, with highlights including public fountains offering free, drinkable water. Lunch and networking with local suppliers on a low-emission boat and a ride up the Rigi Bahn (Switzerland’s most sustainable mountain railway) led to a Kirsch tasting hosted by a charismatic local whose family has been making the cherry spirit for generations.
Zurich: Where Innovation Meets ESG
The final stop, Zurich, offered a deep dive into sustainable urban living. Delegates stayed at the 25hours Hotel Zürich West and dined at Michelin Green Star restaurant Elmira (like the entire trip menu, vegetarian)
Split into walking and running tours, participants explored green spaces, visited FREITAG’s recycled bag HQ, and enjoyed pastries at St. Jakob bakery, a social enterprise.
A Circular Economy Workshop led by Zurich Convention Bureau introduced the “5 R” framework, followed by a hands-on cooking class tackling food waste. The trip ended with a vintage tram apéritif tour and dinner at Zurich’s oldest restaurant, Haus zum Rüden, accompanied by live music from a local folk band, delivering a memorable evening of authentic culture and connection.
Impact & Industry Shift
“Go Sustainable wasn’t just a passive study trip – it proved that FAMs can do more than inspire, they can influence change. By aligning with ESG goals, we showed that sustainable solutions can enhance, not compromise, the event experience,” says Peters.
The numbers speak for themselves. The carbon savings from London to Zurich alone were staggering: 11kg per passenger by train versus 195kg by plane; the equivalent of lighting the Eiffel Tower for an hour versus two full days.
“This trip highlights the power of collaboration within the MICE industry and demonstrates how Switzerland is not only leading in sustainable tourism but offering a model for global destinations to follow,” says Reto Konrad, manager at SCIB UK & Ireland.
“Switzerland’s commitment to sustainability is deeply embedded in our culture, from our transport infrastructure to our event venues. This trip showcased how effortlessly sustainability can be integrated into business events, offering planners a practical and enjoyable way to meet ESG targets.”
By trip’s end, participants felt not just inspired but empowered: “It felt like a working model of what the future of sustainable events could look like, and left me feeling hopeful for the future,” says From Now’s Charlie Pepperell.