Vienna Once Again Tops the Global Congress Scene
Austrian capital named the world’s leading congress destination in 2024
In 2024, Vienna secured the prestigious first place on the global list of congress cities, according to the latest report by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). With a total of 154 congresses held, the Austrian capital reclaimed the leading position, surpassing Lisbon and Singapore, which ranked second and third respectively. This result marks a significant comeback for Vienna, which was ranked fourth last year.
A Driving Force Behind the Economy
Vienna’s congress industry brings not only international recognition but also substantial economic value. In the past year alone, congresses and corporate events generated €1.3 billion in revenue. Mayor Michael Ludwig emphasized that congresses are a key pillar of high-quality tourism, alongside the city’s rich cultural offerings that have made Vienna an attractive destination for decades.
Growth in Quality and Continuity
Thanks to the successful cooperation of all relevant institutions, Vienna continues to show stable growth. The goal remains for every tenth overnight stay to be linked to business events. This year, the city hosted over 6,600 congresses and business meetings—an increase of three percent compared to the record set in 2023.
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Ambitious Plans for the Future
Anita Paic, Director of the Vienna Convention Bureau, revealed that there are currently around 250 bids underway for future events, with plans extending as far as 2038. Vienna thus affirms its role not only as a current leader but also as a visionary hub in the global congress industry.
A Global Perspective
On a global scale, the United States led the rankings with 709 congresses, followed by Italy with 635 and Spain with 536. Austria, with 233 congresses, ranked 16th among countries worldwide. Nevertheless, Vienna stands out in terms of quality, organization, and appeal when it comes to international business tourism.
Participants and Accommodation
More than 670,000 congress and business event participants this year generated approximately 1.9 million overnight stays in Vienna. This further confirms the city’s role as a premier destination for high-level international gatherings. Vienna not only captivates with its historic charm. But consistently proves its ability to lead global trends in the congress industry.
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