Creating Space for Connection: A Switzerland Tourism Brunch in NYC By Maya Jain, Co-Founder of Annaina / Transform Your Planning | Video: NST Pictures | Photos: Jon Lemon

After more than two decades in the destination wedding industry, I’ve learned that extraordinary events don’t happen by chance. They’re built on trust — between couples, planners, and the creative partners who bring each celebration to life.

That’s why it was such a joy to collaborate with Switzerland Tourism this May to co-host a private Spring Planner Brunch in New York City. From the start, I knew the kind of experience we wanted to create: intentional, warm, and deeply personal.

This wasn’t going to be a large-scale networking event or promotional activation. It was designed as a meaningful moment — a quiet celebration of connection that reflected everything Switzerland represents in the world of destination weddings: elegance, precision, and understated luxury.

Switzerland has always captivated couples with its natural beauty — majestic alpine landscapes, historic lakeside towns, and a timeless sense of refinement. But what many planners discovered during the brunch is that Switzerland is not only stunning — it’s also logistically seamless.

It offers:

• Easy access via major international hubs

• A wide range of venues, from historic castles to contemporary resorts

• A global reputation for hospitality, professionalism, and discretion

Whether it’s a winter ceremony in St. Moritz or a summer celebration overlooking Lake Lucerne, Switzerland offers not just breathtaking views — but peace of mind.

The brunch took place at TwoFortyThirty, a beautifully restored historic firehouse in Midtown Manhattan. The tone was relaxed and conversational — no slides, no speeches. Just a beautifully curated brunch, soft live music, and a space where planners could connect with Switzerland Tourism in an honest and open way.

Joining us was Regina Lai from the Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau (SCIB), who brought not only deep expertise but genuine warmth. Her insights into Switzerland’s infrastructure, vendor landscape, and event-readiness were invaluable to the conversations in the room.

While the brunch was beautifully styled, its greatest success was in the relationships it sparked.

Planners left with a deeper understanding of Switzerland — not just as a picturesque destination, but as a place they could confidently recommend to their clients.

More importantly, they left feeling welcomed, supported, and seen.

This brunch wasn’t the end of a conversation — it was the beginning of many.

It offered planners a new lens through which to view Switzerland: not just as a dream destination, but as a real, viable partner for modern luxury weddings.

As someone who’s witnessed the evolution of destination planning over the years, I believe Switzerland is uniquely positioned to meet the needs of today’s discerning couples — and the planners who guide them.

And after this morning in New York City, I know more planners believe that too.