Meeting and congress tourism in Barcelona will exceed the 2023 data

Meeting and conference tourism is essential for Barcelona, with more than 450 conferences in 2023 and more than 100 confirmed appointments for the coming months. Christoph Tessmar, director of the Barcelona Convention Bureau (BCB), anticipates a year equal to or better than the previous one, predicting a promising future for Barcelona in this area.

The city has attracted major international events, strengthening its position in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing and Exhibitions) sector. Some events such as Integrated Systems Europe and Mobile World Congress stand out on the calendar above the others.

The city’s infrastructure, its professionalism and the hotel offer are factors that contribute to its success. However, competition from cities like Madrid, Vienna and Paris is becoming stronger. To maintain its leadership, Barcelona must identify opportunities, diversify and consider expansions such as Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via venue and the possible conversion of the Airport into an intercontinental hub. Despite the post-pandemic challenges, the MICE sector shows resilience and contributes beyond the economic impact, enriching tourism and promoting knowledge in the city.

Currently, the BCB is working on 108 applications for the coming years, maintaining the confidentiality of the sector.