Italy Leads Europe in International Congresses, Ranks Second Globally

Italy has reaffirmed its position as a global leader in the meetings industry. According to the newly released 2024 ICCA ranking, the country hosted 635 international congresses last year, an increase of 82 compared to 2023, marking the highest growth among Europe’s leading competitors. Italy secures its position as the second most active country worldwide, trailing only the United States, which leads with 709 congresses.

 

The ICCA ranking is the foremost global benchmark for the conference tourism sector. It analyses recurring international congresses that rotate among at least three countries, excluding one-time or local events. These high-profile gatherings involve complex logistics and significant international relevance, serving as a measure of a destination’s capacity to attract, organise and connect within global networks of expertise and infrastructure.

 

In an increasingly competitive environment, Europe accounts for 56% of global congress activity, and countries are investing heavily to attract strategic events. Italy is not only keeping pace but accelerating, demonstrating structural maturity and international appeal.

 

Rome remains in the global top 10, ranking 9th with 114 international congresses. Milan makes a remarkable leap from 29th to 14th place with 100 congresses and is third globally for average number of delegates per event. Bologna, Naples, Florence and Turin also perform strongly, giving Italy six cities in the global top 100. Overall, Italy has 20 cities in the ICCA Top 300 (the highest total globally) and 24 in the Top 400.

 

Italy's rise is not only numerical but strategic. The country now ranks third worldwide for congresses in both the technology and medical-scientific sectors—two key areas for knowledge development and long-term economic value.

 

The ICCA 2024 report acknowledges the work of Convention Bureau Italia, citing the Italian Knowledge Leaders project as a best practice. The initiative identifies and empowers university professors, scientists, doctors and professionals active in international academic associations to serve as ambassadors for Italy’s congress promotion.

 

“Italy is confirmed as the leading European and second global destination for conference tourism, according to the ICCA 2024 report, closing in on the U.S. and widening the gap from Spain. This is an extraordinary result that rewards the teamwork between institutions and professionals, further strengthening our international appeal. Yet another record proving that tourism is a vital national asset,” stated Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè.

 

“The numbers are clear: Italy is not just competitive, but rapidly accelerating. We're growing faster than our European competitors and confirming our global leadership. Rome and Milan have made significant progress, but the entire system is showing maturity, adaptability and vision,” said Carlotta Ferrari, President of Convention Bureau Italia.

 

“This success is the result of structured work and a shared strategy, including the Italian Knowledge Leaders project, recognised by ICCA as a virtuous example. It's essential to continue along this path, strengthening public-private collaboration and investing in the country’s intellectual capital. Staying at the top requires ambition and investment, and it feels like the best is yet to come.”

 

Convention Bureau Italia continues its mission to position Italy at the forefront of global conference tourism, with a focus on innovation, international reputation and quality, in a competitive context that increasingly rewards integrated national systems.

 

Published by Meeting Media Group, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.