Both the second-largest metropolitan area and the second-busiest convention city in France, Lyon is a UNESCO World Heritage city which has been attracting the attention of international associations for some time. The good news is that Lyon Convention Bureau has just made life easier for organizers who are planning an event in 2021, with a very special Business Welcome Charter.
Situated at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone rivers, considered by many as the French Capital of gastronomy, Lyon distinguishes itself as a major European metropolitan area all the while offering the charms of a French city. Conveniently located at the crossroads of Europe, its central location offers easy access to many key European cities, with an airport that has been carbon neutral since 2017.
Home to the 1,500 decision centres and 8 competitiveness clusters, Lyon offers a vibrant and dynamic labor market, all the while revealing the beauty of its roman foundations building on the advantages offered by its two hills and two rivers. Over the past decades Lyon has been performing well in four key areas, namely sustainability, accessibility, digitalization and cultural heritage. It was also recently awarded the coveted title of ‘European Capital of Smart Tourism’.
For those wanting to organize an event in Lyon in 2021, the Business Welcome Charter, which has been created by Lyon Convention Bureau and its partners, ensures that it can be done both risk- and stress-free. After all, these circumstances are unprecedented and it’s only normal special arrangements can be made for your conference, meeting or congress.
In this context – and until 31 December 2021 – Lyon can take care of, as the Charter puts it, “everything: your transport, your accommodation and your piece of mind.” Lyon’s hoteliers are for instance imposing less restrictive terms and conditions for existing bookings and free cancellation up to 30 days before arrival is possible – there are 18,000 rooms in all categories in the Lyon Metropolitan Region. Transport can also be taken care of, with preferential rates for delegates when in Lyon.
Additionally, Lyon Convention Bureau and the Lyon Metropolitan Region have developed a commitment charter, co-signed by all business events stakeholders in Lyon, guaranteeing compliance with health regulations. As a member of the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index, the leading sustainability benchmarking and improvement program for destinations around the world, Lyon also promotes a local, environmentally friendly, social and inclusive economy. Last but not least, some of the Convention Bureau’s partners are ISO 20121certified, and can offer guidance and best practice to help you manage your event while controlling its social, economic and environmental impact.
For more info on the Welcome Charter: pro.lyon-france.com/Tourisme-d-affaires/charte- d-accueil-tourisme-d-affaires-de-lyon
For more on Lyon’s sustainable efforts: www.lyon-france.com/je-decouvre-lyon/lyon-et- sa-metropole-s-engagent