Figures released by the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) see Lisbon ranked in joint 9th place in the top 20 list of destinations for association meetings held in 2013. Lisbonโs impressive jump from 15th to 9th position since 2012 reflects the Portuguese capitalโs strengths in business tourism and world-class facilities available for congresses, meetings, incentives, conferences, and events. The rankings are based on the number of international association meetings recorded in 2013.
Lisbonโs standout qualities remain its accessibility by road, rail, sea and air, mild year-round climate and range of top notch venues and hotels at competitive rates. According to the Post Officeโs 2013 City Costs Barometer, Lisbon ranks as the most affordable city in the Eurozone. One of the oldest cities in the world, Lisbon has a natural flair for hospitality and the ability to deliver exceptional service based on years of knowledge and expertise. The city centerโs close proximity to sandy beaches and easy access to some of Europeโs best golf courses helps support its business credentials.
Vรญtor Costa, Director-General of Tourism Association of Lisbon says, โIncreasing business tourism to Lisbon is high on our agenda and we continue work hard to raise the cityโs profile for major events internationally. We are delighted at this result against stiff competition from other cities and see this as a great incentive to ensure we maintain excellence and improve our offering year on year.โ
Further reinforcing Lisbonโs congress credentials, the city was voted number one for hosting the best congresses by delegates participating in a recent survey undertaken by the Centre for International Business Tourism in Lisbon. The survey was based on a sample of 912 interviews in the months of May, June and September 2013 from delegates attending the Society of Cardiology, European Cystic Fibrosis Conference, the Biennial Congress of the European Society of Endodontology and the Rotary International Convention. Over 70% of participating delegates intended to stay in Lisbon beyond the dates of the congress, and 99.9% of respondents recommended Lisbon as a tourist destination, demonstrating the cityโs appeal for pleasure as well as business.