Europe’s largest freshwater aquarium to offer new event spaces

Lausanne’s MICE offering is to be further enhanced with the addition of the AQUATIS Aquarium-Vivarium set to open on the site of the BOAS owned Aquatis Hotel in the city next month.

 The aquarium-vivarium will be unique in Switzerland and the largest freshwater aquarium in Europe. Once open, it will be available for corporate hire with a range of dedicated events spaces, with capacity for up to 300 for banqueting and 350 for receptions, providing a unique experience and setting. When both levels of the AQUATIS Aquarium-Vivarium are used, event capacity is doubled, while the outdoor terrace can accommodate up to 500 guests for receptions.

 The unusual events space will complement the existing conference and meetings facilities at the three-star plus Aquatis Hotel, which has 143 rooms and can accommodate up to 300 delegates theatre-style in its existing events spaces.

 Olivier Mathieu, Congress and Meetings Manager at Lausanne Tourism & Convention Bureau, comments: “The new AQUATIS Aquarium-Vivarium is a welcome addition to the meetings and events offering in Lausanne, enriching our already extensive range of spaces with a uniquely wonderful offering. The aquarium is a beautiful space that embodies what Switzerland is all about. It will no doubt be a key attraction for both corporate and association events, with particular appeal for those interested in nature and the environment.”

 The AQUATIS Aquarium-Vivarium will house examples of 20 different ecosystems. Its two million litres of fresh water and 46 different aquariums, vivariums and terrariums will be home to 100 reptiles and 10,000 fish from five continents. More than merely a visitor attraction, Aquatis (Aqua for water, T for ‘terra’ or earth, I for innovation and S for science) is a scientific, technological, cultural and sustainable project. Supported by the Foundation AQUATIS, the project aims to increase awareness of nature and aquatic environments within the city of Lausanne and will drive educational initiatives through interactive activity programmes and workshops with specialist guest speakers.

Easily accessible via road and Lausanne’s metro, the AQUATIS Aquarium-Vivarium is co-located with the Aquatis Hotel which opened last year and has already proven popular with international conferences.