International Gatherings Frequently Held in Brussels, Topping the Global List
Worn Like a Crown: Brussels Continues to Lead in International Meetings
The magical city of Brussels, Belgium, shines as the world's top destination for international meetings, according to the Union of International Associations (UIA) – a non-profit, non-governmental research institute. Lured by the power hub of the European Commission and European Parliament, the city also welcomed a bumper number of tourists in 2024, as reported by visit.brussels.
Europe Rules the Meeting Game
Europe reigns supreme in the meetings department, with last year's tally showing it hosted a whopping 53% of all meetings worldwide. Typically, most meetings last a mere three days, while around half accommodate between 100 to 500 delegates.
In its 66th report, Brussels emerged as the host city of choice for international non-profit organizations in 2024, scoring the top spot for a staggering fourth consecutive year. Out of the 8,859 congresses worldwide that year, 388 (7%) took place in Brussels – proof positive that the city deserves its 20-year reign in the elite club of meeting leaders.
The race for second place was tense, with Singapore nipping at Brussels’ heels, but Vienna emerged triumphant with 239 meetings, followed by Seoul with 180, Barcelona with 150, and Tokyo with 135 meetings.
Boost for Business and Leisure
The statistics bring joy not only to the corporate and business hospitality sector but also to travel enthusiasts. visitbrussels registered a whopping 10 million overnight stays in Brussels accommodations in 2024, surpassing the 2019 record by an impressive 3.6% and growing a robust 4.8% from the previous year.
While July saw a major boost compared to 2024, city authorities expressed delight at the "more balanced" distribution of tourism throughout the year. Brussels attracted more winter visitors in November, December, January, and February, participating in festive activities such as the world-renowned Brussels winter fair.
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and its Economic Impact Research, Europe's travel and tourism sector is expected to create an additional 4.5 million jobs and contribute over €2.3 trillion to its GDP by 2035. Travel spending is projected to rise 11%, with EU governments earning over €900 billion annually in taxes.
All hail the alluring city of Brussels – the undisputed global champion of international meetings and a strong contender in tourism growth, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe!
- Brussels, being a prominent destination for international meetings, also appeals to travelers seeking unique eco-tourism experiences, making it an attractive lifestyle choice for those interested in tourism and travel.
- The growth in international meetings held in Brussels has a significant impact on the accommodation sector, with visitbrussels reporting a significant increase in overnight stays in 2024.
- As Brussels continues to lead in international meetings, it also presents opportunities for various sectors, including tourism and travel, to thrive and contribute positively to the city's economy, such as the projected growth in jobs and GDP as indicated by the World Travel & Tourism Council.
