LAUSANNE: CULTURAL LAKESIDE APPEAL
Lausanne showcased its strengths as a compact yet multifaceted destination, blending Olympic legacy with arts, culture and easy access to nature.
Along with a guided city tour and a visit to the Olympic Museum, the group explored the city’s strong public transport system, lakeside setting, and walkable old town.
CATO participants also learned about Lausanne’s upcoming cultural milestones for 2026, including major exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Design and Applied Arts (mudac) and the 50th anniversary of the Collection de l’Art Brut. Lausanne celebrated the 750th anniversary of its main cathedral in the Old Town this year.
“I had never been to Lausanne before,” said Walker. “Between the views, the transit, and the range of attractions – from museums to vineyards – it really stood out. I definitely want to look at incorporating Lausanne more intentionally into our programs.”
Sébastien Marcelis, Market Manager, Lausanne Tourisme, emphasized the city’s broad appeal: “We are the Olympic Capital, but we’re also a cultural hub with easy access to both lake and mountain activities. It’s an ideal base for Canadian travellers who want variety without long travel times.”
Lausanne’s Escaliers du Marché (photo credit Spot Magazine via Switzerland Tourism)
WINE REGION: LAVAUX’S UNESCO VISTAS
The group also spent an afternoon exploring the terraced vineyards of Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a standout of the region’s wine heritage. A curated tasting experience offered not only Swiss wine, but also insight into how local producers are grounding their offerings in sustainability and terroir.
“It’s the kind of product that can really elevate shoulder-season travel,” said Walker. “Experiences like these give us tools to build tours around interest, rather than just seasonality. That’s how we expand the travel period.”
Paula Briata, VP, Operations for WorldStrides and a CATO board member, agreed: “We already work with Switzerland, but this trip showed me how much more we can do – especially in places like Lavaux. There’s history, food, outdoor activity – it’s a win-win.”
Lavaux’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is based on both beauty and historical significance, these vineyards preserve traditional winemaking practices while showcasing the region’s commitment to sustainable land use.
Lavaux vineyards (photo credit Montreux-Vevey Tourism _ Maude Rion)
MONTREUX: A TASTE OF CHRISTMAS BY THE LAKE
While the CATO group visited the Montreux Christmas Market, the festive mood served as a reminder of Switzerland’s wintertime appeal. With the Lake Geneva backdrop and the snow-capped peaks, the destination offered a postcard-perfect glimpse of seasonal charm.
Switzerland’s Christmas markets offer a festive blend of tradition, charm and alpine magic, drawing visitors for artisan crafts and seasonal treats. From the lakeside elegance of Montreux Noël – complete with Santa’s house perched high above in Rochers-de-Naye – to the historic stalls nestled in the Old Towns of Basel, Zurich and Lucerne, each market reflects the unique character of its region.
For Canadian travellers, the markets provide not only a picturesque holiday backdrop but also an opportunity to experience Swiss culture.
MOB Golden Pass Railway journey between Montreux and Interlaken (photo credit MOB)
LOOKING AHEAD
For Walker, the collaborative aspect of the trip was just as valuable as the destination discovery. “This is an opportunity for competitors to come together and talk about shared challenges – like how we can promote different times of the year using common language. It helps everyone, and it helps the destination.”
The hope, he added, is that CATO will continue these international symposiums. “We learn from each other. And ultimately, that helps us deliver more value to Canadian travellers.”
As Switzerland positions itself for a strong year in 2026 – and as Canadian operators look to expand their European offerings – Lake Geneva’s blend of culture, accessibility, and authenticity is poised to play a leading role.
More information about travel to Geneva can be found here. For more information about travel to Switzerland, visit MySwitzerland.com/en-ca/.
Lead image caption: Lausanne’s Old Town, with sightlines to Lake Geneva (photo credit Switzerland Tourism / Christian Meixner)