Vienna Tops the ICCA City Ranking 2024: A Global Leader in Meetings and Events

Vienna, Austria, has once again demonstrated its unmatched prowess in hosting global meetings, earning the prestigious title of the world’s number one city for congresses and conferences in the 2024 ICCA City Ranking. The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), a leading global organization for the meetings industry, released its annual report, ranking cities worldwide based on the number of international meetings they host. Vienna claimed the top spot, surpassing other major cities like Lisbon and Singapore.

This accomplishment marks a significant milestone for Vienna, reinforcing its longstanding reputation as a global leader in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry. In the previous year, Vienna was ranked 4th, making this resurgence to the top position all the more notable. The city’s remarkable recovery and continued dominance reflect its commitment to providing exceptional venues, services, and experiences for event planners and attendees alike.

Vienna’s Success in the 2024 ICCA City Ranking

The 2024 ICCA ranking confirms Vienna’s continued appeal as a convention city, not just in Europe but globally. As the city celebrates its first-place victory, it is important to recognize the key factors that have contributed to Vienna’s dominance in the global meetings sector:

Strong Infrastructure: Vienna boasts world-class venues, including the Austria Center Vienna and the Vienna International Centre, making it an ideal destination for large-scale international events.
Accessibility: The city’s central European location, paired with easy access to both regional and international airports, makes it highly convenient for delegates traveling from across the globe.
High-Quality Services: Vienna is known for its professionalism, offering state-of-the-art technology, advanced meeting facilities, and exceptional hospitality, which make it an attractive choice for global event organizers.
Cultural and Historic Appeal: Vienna’s rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture provide an added bonus to delegates, making their experience both productive and culturally enriching.
Sustainability Commitment: The city has increasingly focused on sustainable tourism and eco-friendly practices in its event spaces, which aligns with global trends in sustainable event planning.

The results of this year’s ranking are not only a testament to Vienna’s long-standing tradition of excellence in the MICE industry but also a reflection of its resilience and adaptability in the face of the challenges posed by the global pandemic and evolving market demands.

Highlight: The 62nd ERA Congress in Vienna

As part of its ongoing momentum, Vienna will soon host one of the world’s largest and most impactful meetings in the healthcare sector—the 62nd Congress of the European Renal Association (ERA). This congress, scheduled to take place at the Austria Center Vienna, is expected to draw over 9,000 participants from across the globe, both in-person and virtually. The event promises to be a major milestone in nephrology, with a cutting-edge scientific program and numerous legacy initiatives designed to leave a lasting impact.

Among the key activities planned, attendees will have access to free kidney health checks and be encouraged to participate in educational school projects designed to raise awareness about kidney health in local communities. The ERA Congress represents a significant event for Vienna, demonstrating the city’s ability to host high-profile, globally impactful gatherings in specialized fields such as medicine and science.

Meeting Planners Discover the Unexpected Sides of Vienna

In addition to its success in the ICCA ranking, Vienna is focusing on enhancing its reputation among meeting planners from around the world. In April 2025, a special fam trip (familiarization trip) was organized for a group of meeting planners from Germany. The trip was designed around the theme of “unexpected – new – inspiring,” allowing participants to experience the city in a fresh light.

The program featured a mix of hidden gems, vibrant districts, and innovative venues that are typically not on the usual tourist radar. From off-the-beaten-path cultural hotspots to modern event spaces, Vienna is highlighting its diversity and capacity to host unique, creative events that go beyond traditional conference settings. For meeting planners, this gives them an opportunity to reimagine how they can incorporate innovation and local flair into their event programming.

In the words of Shelby Sim, CEO of Visit Vienna, “Vienna continues to offer so much more than just traditional event spaces. We’ve seen a growing demand for unique, experiential events, and our city is more than equipped to meet those needs. This fam trip is just one way we’re showing planners the diverse and innovative side of our city.”

The Road Ahead: Vienna’s Vision for Continued Success

With its consistent presence at the top of the ICCA City Rankings, Vienna is looking forward to the future with ambitious plans to expand its event offerings and continue to grow its role as a leading destination for international meetings. The city is already preparing for a series of major upcoming events, including the 2025 World Congress of Cardiology, which will attract thousands of medical professionals, and the Global Climate Summit, which will bring together key players in climate science and policy.

Vienna’s strategy is clear: to remain at the forefront of the global business events industry by continuing to invest in infrastructure, sustainability, and diverse event offerings that cater to a wide range of industries. The city’s commitment to innovation, coupled with its rich cultural heritage and modern amenities, ensures that Vienna will continue to attract high-profile events and business travelers for years to come.

A Dynamic Tourism Destination Beyond Meetings

While Vienna’s success as a meetings destination is well established, it also continues to thrive as a tourism hub for leisure visitors. The city’s mix of historical landmarks like the Hofburg Palace, the Vienna State Opera, and the Schönbrunn Palace, combined with modern attractions such as the Prater Amusement Park and Donauinsel (Danube Island), make it an attractive destination for both business and leisure travelers.

Vienna’s consistent high rankings in the ICCA City Rankings also contribute to its global appeal. The city’s combination of cultural richness, convenience, and excellence in service makes it a premier destination not only for business events but also for leisure tourism. It’s this blend of attributes that allows Vienna to remain relevant as a dynamic and multi-faceted destination for travelers around the world.

Conclusion

As the top-ranked city in the 2024 ICCA City Ranking, Vienna solidifies its position as a world-leading destination for business events and conferences. With major events like the ERA Congress and targeted initiatives for meeting planners, the city is perfectly poised to continue its growth and innovation in the meetings and tourism sectors. By emphasizing unique offerings, creative venues, and sustainable practices, Vienna ensures its place at the forefront of the global tourism industry, continuing to attract both business visitors and leisure tourists from across the globe. For more information on Vienna’s tourism offerings and upcoming events, visit the official Visit Vienna website.