Italy crowned Europe’s leading meetings destination and ranks second worldwide
The ICCA GlobeWatch 2025 Report rewards the strategy developed by Convention Bureau Italia. President Carlotta Ferrari: “This achievement is the result of a unique governance model”
Italy has achieved another historic milestone in the global meetings industry, confirming its position for the third consecutive year on the world podium for international congresses and conventions. According to the latest ICCA GlobeWatch 2025 Report, the country is now officially ranked as the leading destination in Europe and the second worldwide, behind only the United States, for the number of international association meetings hosted.
The achievement has been certified by ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association), the world’s leading authority monitoring and ranking destinations based on their ability to attract major international association events. The recognition crowns an extraordinary growth trajectory that has seen Italy establish itself as a reliable, competitive and forward-looking partner for some of the world’s most influential international associations.
“This extraordinary result is not the outcome of chance, but the validation of a long-term and coordinated strategy,” said Carlotta Ferrari, President of Convention Bureau Italia. “Today the world recognizes Italy as a virtuous case study, capable of transforming intellectual capital into a concrete driver of economic and social development".
A central role in this achievement has been played by the “Italian Knowledge Leaders” (IKL) project, developed by Convention Bureau Italia and once again explicitly cited in the ICCA report as a global benchmark for the meetings industry.
The initiative was created to enhance Italy’s intellectual capital by actively involving leading figures from the country’s academic and scientific communities as strategic ambassadors capable of attracting high-profile international congresses and events.
The recognition of the IKL program by ICCA represents a strong endorsement of the systemic strategy adopted by Italy in recent years. Through this approach, the country has strengthened its international positioning not only as a destination renowned for hospitality and culture, but also as a global hub for knowledge, innovation and scientific exchange.
Italy’s strategic vision is also reflected in the distinctive structure of its performance. The country’s success is deeply polycentric, making Italy the European nation with the broadest distribution of cities represented in the top international rankings. Cities such as Rome, Milan, Florence, Bologna, Naples and Turin continue to strengthen Italy’s international competitiveness, alongside a growing network of regional destinations investing in scientific expertise, professional excellence and world-class hospitality standards.
“This common strategic direction has allowed every destination — from our major metropolitan areas to regional centers of excellence — to contribute to Italy’s leadership in the global meetings industry,” Ferrari added. “For international associations, this means access to a diverse portfolio of world-class destinations, each capable of offering specialized expertise, strong academic prestige and impeccable hosting standards".
“Being today the leading meetings destination in Europe and the second worldwide confirms Italy’s international strength and the ability of our territories to attract major events, investments and high-quality visitors”, said Alessandra Priante, President of ENIT.
“In Frankfurt, we are showcasing a strong and united Italian system, with seven Regions and more than 70 industry operators taking part in the world’s leading international trade fair for the meetings and events sector. Business and congress tourism generates nearly €15 billion in direct economic impact and is one of the sectors contributing most significantly to growth, seasonality balancing and the enhancement of local economies. Italy continues to be chosen because it offers something others cannot: the ability to combine organization, quality hospitality, culture and the unique identity of its territories into a distinctive and recognizable experience”.
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