Davos in Switzerland is the highest town in Europe. Yet ever since the World Economic Forum brought its Annual Meeting to the alpine venue, the name resonates with the flagship event. The meeting brings together government, business and civil society leaders to set the year’s agenda for how leaders can make the world a better place for all. It’s relevance as a global gathering sits within and beyond the official programme. The importance of dialogue — often happening in private conversations — reveals an ever important mission to convene leaders when ‘threats to world stability are multiplying’.

Established more than 50 years ago, the Annual Meeting tries to embody ‘the spirit of Davos’, which is an attitude of openness and cooperation that is core to the mission of the Forum. The ‘Davos Manifesto‘, created in 1973 and renewed in 2020, lays out the principles of stakeholder capitalism — or a system of shared goals for businesses.

Davos rises proudly from a sunlit Alpine valley, where crisp mountain air, wide-open landscapes and a deep-rooted sporting spirit create one of Europe’s most distinctive destinations. Long celebrated as a health retreat and mountain refuge, this high-altitude town blends natural beauty with global relevance, welcoming athletes, thinkers, artists and explorers from every corner of the world. Surrounded by dramatic peaks and forested slopes, Davos feels both energising and restorative from the moment you arrive.

Sport is woven into the very identity of Davos. From legendary ski descents and cross-country trails to ice hockey, snowboarding and summer mountain biking, the town lives and breathes outdoor movement year-round. It has hosted world-class competitions, trained elite athletes, and inspired generations to push their limits amid pristine Alpine conditions. Even beyond winter, hiking paths, golf courses and crystal-clear lakes invite visitors to stay active while immersed in nature.

Culturally, Davos carries a remarkable legacy. Writers, philosophers and global leaders have long been drawn here, giving the town an intellectual depth that complements its physical dynamism. This is a place where grand congress halls stand alongside traditional chalets, where contemporary art, music and dialogue coexist with centuries-old alpine customs. Seasonal festivals, galleries and theatres ensure that creativity thrives alongside sport.

Today, Davos feels confidently modern yet deeply authentic. Wellness, gastronomy and sustainability play a central role, with refined hotels, welcoming restaurants and holistic retreats enhancing the mountain experience. Whether arriving to ski world-class slopes, attend a global summit, explore alpine culture or simply reconnect with nature, Davos offers a rare balance of vitality, reflection and inspiration, all set against one of Switzerland’s most breathtaking backdrops.