Italy crowned Europe’s leading meetings destination

Italy has reinforced its position as a global leader in the meetings industry, ranking first in Europe and second worldwide for international association meetings hosted, according to the ICCA GlobeWatch 2025 Report.

The recognition marks the third consecutive year Italy has secured a place on the global podium, trailing only the United States in the number of international congresses and conventions hosted. The ranking, compiled by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), highlights destinations that successfully attract major international association events.

Convention Bureau Italia credited the achievement to a long-term national strategy focused on strengthening Italy’s appeal as a hub for knowledge, innovation and scientific exchange.

Carlotta Ferrari, President of Convention Bureau Italia, said the result validates a coordinated governance model developed over recent years: “this extraordinary result is not the outcome of chance, but the validation of a long-term and coordinated strategy. 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 key factor behind the success is the “Italian Knowledge Leaders” (IKL) initiative, developed by Convention Bureau Italia and highlighted in the ICCA report as an international best-practice example for the meetings industry.

The program engages leading figures from Italy’s academic and scientific communities as ambassadors to help attract high-profile international congresses and events.

Italy’s performance is also supported by the broad distribution of successful destinations across the country. Cities including Rome, Milan, Florence, Bologna, Naples and Turin continue to strengthen the country’s global competitiveness, while regional destinations are increasingly investing in scientific expertise and high-quality hospitality infrastructure.

Ferrari said the shared national strategy enables destinations across Italy to offer specialized expertise, strong academic reputations and world-class hosting standards for international associations.

Alessandra Priante, President of ENIT, said Italy’s leadership reflects the ability of destinations nationwide to attract major events, investment and high-value visitors.

Speaking at the global meetings industry trade fair in Frankfurt, Priante said Italy was presenting a united tourism and events industry presence with seven regions and more than 70 operators attending.

She added that business and congress tourism generates nearly €15 billion in direct economic impact for Italy and remains one of the country’s strongest contributors to economic growth, reduced seasonality and regional development.