Lisbon tops global rankings for international congresses in 2025

Lisbon was the world’s leading destination for international association congresses and meetings in 2025, according to the latest ranking published by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), cementing the Portuguese capital’s growing reputation as a global business events hub.

According to information released by the Lisbon Tourism Association and reported by Lusa news agency, Lisbon hosted 188 eligible international congresses and association meetings during 2025, surpassing Paris, which recorded 174 events, and Barcelona, which hosted 166.

The result marks a significant improvement on 2024, when Lisbon registered 153 congresses and meetings that met ICCA’s criteria.

The ranking is regarded as one of the most important international benchmarks in the meetings and events industry, focusing exclusively on international association congresses that rotate between countries and attract delegates from around the world.

Portugal hosted a total of 356 events included in the ICCA ranking in 2025, with more than half taking place in Lisbon. Most of the events were held within the MICE sector – meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.

According to the Lisbon Tourism Association, the majority of congresses hosted in the capital were linked to the medical, technology and scientific sectors, reflecting the city’s growing appeal as a centre for knowledge exchange and innovation.

These events attracted more than 100,000 international participants throughout the year and generated a substantial economic impact. The association estimates that each delegate spent an average of €3,000 during their stay, contributing to local businesses including hotels, restaurants, transport providers and cultural attractions.

Quoted in a statement, Lisbon Tourism Association managing director António Valle said international association congresses have a “strategic impact on the local economy and on Lisbon’s international profile”.

“This recognition reinforces the capacity of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area to attract investment and knowledge, supported by infrastructure capable of hosting events of different sizes, a high-quality hotel and gastronomy offering, and strong international air connectivity,” he said.

The ICCA ranking only includes international association meetings that meet strict eligibility requirements. Events must be held regularly, rotate between at least three countries or territories and attract a minimum of 50 in-person participants.

Corporate events, trade fairs, incentive trips, concerts, festivals, sporting events and government or political meetings are not included in the ranking.

The latest results further strengthen Lisbon’s position as one of Europe’s leading destinations for international conferences and business tourism, a sector that continues to play an increasingly important role in Portugal’s visitor economy.

Source: Lusa news agency