DALL·E 2024-03-15 10.24.08 – A horizontal image representing Lisbon being elected as the Best MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) Destination in Europe at th
For the first time, Lisbon has been elected as the Best MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) Destination in Europe in 2023, at the 4th edition of the World MICE Awards held tonight in Berlin, Germany.
The 31st European edition of the World Travel Awards also took place at the event, where Lisbon was chosen as the Europe’s Leading City Destination 2024.
Last year and so far, there have been 2251 events registered in Lisbon, attracting more than 592,178 participants worldwide. The prime location, with its modern and versatile infrastructure, excellent accessibility and cultural experiences, have made Lisbon an excellent destination in Europe for event organization. Since 2019, Lisbon has been in 2nd place in the ICCA World ranking, having previously been consecutively in the Top Ten.
The MICE segment plays a significant role in Lisbon’s economy, contributing significantly to tourism and the city’s economic development, namely in revenue generation and job creation. In 2022 and 2023, the Lisbon Tourism Association (ATL) allocated over 1 million euros for the attraction and support of congresses, corporate events, and associative events through the Lisbon Tourism Development Fund (financed with revenue generated by the tourist tax) and ATL’s participation in the national program, Portugal Events, with 25% of the overall funding.
The prospects for international events in Lisbon are promising. “We continue to work to attract the attention of international event organizers and participants. Lisbon stands out not only for its unique DNA but also for the professionalism of its companies, excellent hotel infrastructure, accessibility, organizational capacity, cultural offerings, and the most diverse range of possible experiences. Lisbon continues to pioneer the offer of unique and unrepeatable experiences,” said Paula Oliveira, Executive Director of the Lisbon Tourism Association.
As an urban destination, Lisbon stands out for its historical heritage, vibrant culture, welcoming atmosphere, diverse gastronomy, and authentic experience for visitors, with its historic neighborhoods, colorful tiles, panoramic viewpoints, urban art, modernity, and cultural attractions, including internationally recognized museums, art galleries, concerts, and festivals.
The World MICE Awards, considered the “sibling” event of the World Travel Awards, celebrate the excellence of the MICE industry and annually rewards destinations, airlines, hotel units, organizers, and infrastructures related to this sector.
The World Travel Awards, internationally acclaimed as the “Oscars of Tourism,” annually distinguish the excellence achieved by tourist destinations, hotel companies, airlines, and other entities related to the tourism industry. These awards represent a seal of quality and a prestigious stamp for those who excel in providing the best that the tourism industry has to offer globally.
