Regina Lai first arrived in Switzerland in 2005 with a single goal: to study hospitality at the renowned École Hôtelière de Lausanne. Two decades later, she is married, a mother of two, and a leading figure at the Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau, promoting her adopted country as a top choice for destination weddings and events.
“Switzerland has given me all possible opportunities, both personally and professionally,” Regina reflects. “I am forever thankful to everyone I met along this path.”
Her career began in luxury hospitality, where she spent over 15 years managing corporate and social events worldwide before moving into sales and marketing. “Every day brought excitement, joy, and challenges,” she recalls. “There was no ‘same day at work,’ and I would never accept ‘no’ as an answer.”
From Hotels to National Tourism
The transition from hotel events to promoting Switzerland at an international level wasn’t planned. “The opportunity came after COVID,” Regina explains. “It combined my experience in business events and social celebrations and landed at the right moment.”
Even as a mother of two young daughters, she remains driven: “My passion is promoting the beauty of Switzerland. I strive for excellence and hope my daughters are inspired by my ‘double-hat’ – both mother and professional.”
Switzerland as a Wedding & Event Destination
For Regina, Switzerland is more than a backdrop – it’s a stage of infinite possibilities. “It’s a small country, yet strikingly beautiful across all seasons,” she says, “and the magic lies in its variety.” The country’s seamless connectivity allows couples and planners to design truly extraordinary itineraries: land in Geneva, explore Lausanne and its surrounding vineyards along Lake Geneva, continue to Montreux, and then ascend to Gstaad aboard the iconic GoldenPass Line – a journey where every stop reveals a new facet of Swiss elegance.
Lausanne & Lake Geneva
Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva, Lausanne offers French-tinged elegance paired with Swiss precision. Its sweeping views of the Alps and vineyards set the tone for ceremonies that feel romantic and refined. The Beau-Rivage Palace is one of Switzerland’s most storied and elegant hospitality landmarks – a place where heritage, lakeside grandeur, and Swiss luxury converge. The lake itself becomes part of the celebration – sail-in arrivals, sunset cruises, mirrored reflections on the water – all framed by snow-capped peaks.
Lucerne
In Lucerne, the heart of Switzerland, lakeside villas and mountain retreats create an atmosphere of serenity and grandeur. Perched high above Lake Lucerne, Villa Honegg offers sweeping views and remarkable privacy – ideal for intimate, emotionally rich celebrations. Here, medieval charm meets alpine splendor.
Interlaken & the Bernese Oberland
Between two shimmering lakes and framed by dramatic peaks, Interlaken is one of the most scenic crossroads in the Alps. Events can flow from lakefront receptions to mountaintop ceremonies, complete with fairytale train rides, glacier panoramas, and nature’s changing palette – every moment cinematic.
Gstaad & St. Moritz
For alpine luxury, Gstaad remains iconic – its secluded chalets and year-round allure exude understated exclusivity. Meanwhile, St. Moritz offers crystalline lakes, sunlit slopes, and the ultimate glamour of “elevated” weddings, often quite literally reached by funicular or helicopter. Both destinations invite couples to embrace elegance at altitude.
Zurich
For couples seeking cosmopolitan style with alpine access, Zurich delivers both. Chic hotels, historic architecture, and seamless connectivity make it a versatile hub. Events here can range from sophisticated urban affairs to gateways leading into the heart of Swiss countryside charm.
Special Regions & Hidden Gems
Ticino adds Mediterranean flair to the Swiss wedding scene – vineyards, palm-lined shores, and a Dolce Vita spirit that’s tranquil yet vibrant. Meggenhorn Castle, near Lucerne, blends heritage and vineyard-framed views, while Bâtiment des Forces Motrices (BFM) in Geneva is a truly striking example of architectural reinvention – a place where industrial history meets cultural elegance, now serving as a celebrated venue for performances and events.
This diversity lets couples curate multi-day experiences – a lakeside welcome dinner in Lausanne, alpine adventure in Interlaken, and grand ballroom reception in Zurich – all within a few hours’ reach. As Regina puts it, “Every guest returns home with the best memory of Switzerland.”
Trends, Support & the Future
International couples increasingly seek quality over quantity, Regina notes. “We focus on providing exclusive, authentic experiences so that every couple and guest leaves with the best memories of Switzerland.”
Through SCIB, she and her team offer complimentary consultations to planners and couples, connecting them with the right regions, venues, and services. “Our role is to inspire more people to travel to Switzerland for celebrations and trips they will never forget.”
Looking ahead, her vision is clear: “I hope Switzerland becomes the top choice for exclusive weddings and events, and that more couples and planners aspire to celebrate here, enjoying the beauty, luxury, and authenticity our country offers.”
Sincerely yours,
Regina Lai, Project Manager – Meetings & Incentives, Destination Weddings, Switzerland Tourism and Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau (SCIB)
