Portugal shines in the ICCA ranking

# tags: Lisbon , ICCA , Events , Portugal , Porto , Meetings Industry

Portugal and destinations like Lisbon and Porto continue to shine in the ICCA – International Congress and Convention Association ranking.

At European level, Lisbon is the second city with the most congresses in 2023, having hosted 151 congresses, according to the ICCA. Worldwide, with seven more congresses than last year, Lisbon remains in the top three, although it has dropped from second to third place in the ranking. The list is led by Paris (156), followed by Singapore (152).

‘This ranking provides valuable information on emerging trends and the most sought-after destinations for congress organisers around the world, so we are very optimistic about demand this year. Lisbon has a privileged location, good accessibility and infrastructures, as well as excellent quality professionals, so we believe that we will continue to be a world reference for the organisation of association congresses,’ said Paula Oliveira, executive director of Turismo de Lisboa, in a statement.

The second Portuguese city in the ICCA world ranking is Porto, which moved up from 27th place last year to 23rd place with 68 meetings. In the northern region, Braga, Guimarães and Matosinhos also rose in the ICCA ranking.

Luís Pedro Martins, president of Turismo do Porto e Norte de Portugal, is determined ‘to maintain our commitment to finding business opportunities in this segment, as well as participating in, attracting and supporting MICE events’, he said in a press release, adding: ‘We have no doubt that this is a great lever for tourism, due to its multiplier effect on other tourist segments, but also because it helps to boost other economic sectors.’

Although there were nine more congresses than last year, Portugal (303) dropped from seventh to ninth place in the world ranking, but remained in the top 10. The podium is occupied by the United States (690), Italy (553) and Spain (505).