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The Swiss Broadcasting Coorporation (SRG SSR) has made public the shortlisted city candidates for hosting the Eurovision Song Contest next year in Switzerland. There were strong contenders for the great opportunity to deliver the best show for the next year’s competition, but the cities who made it to the final are Geneva and Basel. Even though both cities have a strong portofolio and background in organising events such big as Eurovision, why would Geneva exceed and make the best out of it?

Geneva, or Genoa?

Pay attention that the Switzerland won this year, not Italy!!! Geneva is located in the southwest part of Switzerland, close to the French border and >150km far from the city of Lyon in France and its the most french-speaking city in Switzerland. While it is not surrounded too much by the Alps, the roads are accesible from every corner of Switzerland and especially, cheaper! It’d be much affordable to have a close accomodation in the French side if you plan to save some money next year, or maybe eat some fondue too!

The city’s vibrant and socially active society makes it a good contender for hosting next year. Their best known attractions are the Jet d’Eau, Cathedral of Saint Pierre and the cruises on lake Geneva are a must if it’s gonna be Geneva who will take the crown for hosting next year. Who knows, maybe we can watch the final while cruising on a boat?

On the other hand, Geneva is a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant cultural scene. Visitors can expect a welcoming and diverse environment, with plenty of opportunities to explore the city’s rich history, art, and cuisine. The city is also home to numerous parks and green spaces, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. When it comes to budgeting, it might sting a little our wallets for flight tickets, accomodation and so on, so better prepare the piggy bank to have the best experience for next year.

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The venue and its pro’s

Geneva’s proposed venue for hosting the contest is quite promising; Palexpo, the proposed venue for Eurovision 2025, is a massive convention and exhibition center located just a few minutes from Geneva’s airport. There are seven halls, and 102,000 square metres of exhibition space. It has hosted numerous large-scale events, including international conferences, trade shows, and concerts. The venue is known for its modern facilities, flexible spaces, and ability to accommodate massive crowds. For Eurovision, Palexpo could be transformed into a spectacular stage and audience area, providing a fitting backdrop for the grand contest.
Beside being considered our next venue for next year, Palexpo also hosted the annual Geneva International Motor Show. It also hosted the 2014 Davis Cup semi-finals and the 2019 Laver Cup.

The last giants who hosted the Eurovision with such big venues were Russia and Germany, respectively in 2009 and 2011. Switzerland’s options are plenty and big competitors to maybe beat the records other Eurovision winners set when it comes to organization and hosting.

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Even if Switzerland it is DEFINATELY NOT a budget friendly country, Geneva has the potential to provide a memorable and enjoyable Eurovision experience for both participants and spectators. Its combination of modern facilities, vibrant atmosphere, and efficient infrastructure makes it a strong contender to host the contest in 2025.