Meet Mireille Dartus, Director of the Convention Bureau Strasbourg

How would you describe Strasbourg to a business traveller?

Mireille Dartus - Strasbourg is a compact city, so it's very easy to get around on foot. Business travellers and conference-goers naturally take to a city whose DNA has a very international, very European feel, but also a border feel. In fact, from April 2017, the tramway will provide a direct link between Strasbourg station and Kehl station in Germany. This is a source of pride in these times of inward-looking attitudes and closed borders. It shows just how open Strasbourg is.

What attracts business customers to Strasbourg?

M. D. - As far as business tourism is concerned, there is of course the attraction of the local culture and heritage, with the cathedral, the half-timbered houses, the gastronomy, the wines... But at the same time, the university, research and the many competitive clusters show that Strasbourg is not just a museum town. There is a real economic and academic dynamism, as demonstrated by the Nobel Prize recently awarded to Jean-Pierre Sauvage, the fourth in the recent history of the University of Strasbourg.

How do you see the future international business district?

M. D. - This new district will not be limited to the headquarters of major companies: services such as hotels, crèches and housing are also planned. Part of the area is also reserved for European institutions, should they wish to expand.