Prague has emerged as one of the top congress destinations, securing the fifth spot in international rankings compiled by the Prague Convention Bureau (PCB). The city surpassed popular destinations like Madrid, Berlin, Brussels, and London to claim its position among the most sought-after places for congresses. Last year, Prague hosted nearly four thousand events, attracting over 600,000 delegates. While these numbers indicate a strong recovery from the pandemic, they still fall short of the pre-COVID years.

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) rankings showcase Prague’s remarkable progress, as it has moved up four positions compared to 2019 and achieved its highest rank in history. In 2010, Prague stood at the nineteenth position, making its recent ascent even more impressive. Maintaining this top position will be the next challenge for the city.

Vienna currently leads the ranking, followed by Lisbon, while Paris and Barcelona outperformed Prague by a narrow margin. Among the top ten destinations are Madrid, Berlin, Athens, Brussels, and London. Interestingly, Asian cities such as Singapore, Bangkok, Seoul, and Tokyo have slipped in the rankings compared to previous years.

The number of congresses and conferences held in Prague in 2022 was still influenced by the lingering effects of the pandemic and associated restrictions both in the Czech Republic and abroad, as well as the conflict in Ukraine. Despite the lower number of events compared to pre-pandemic years, there was a significant interest from attendees. This highlights the irreplaceable value of in-person interactions, not only in business negotiations but also in the congress industry.

The rising prominence of Prague as a congress destination has considerable economic benefits for the city. Congresses attract high-spending tourists who typically spend three times more than the average foreign visitor. Additionally, many delegates return to Prague for private vacations, providing further tourism opportunities. The Prague Congress Centre (KCP) is witnessing a rapid resurgence in demand, and the city plans to reinvest the accommodation fees back into development initiatives.

To promote Prague as a cultured destination and attract high-quality clients, the city leadership has been utilizing the accommodation fees to support advertising campaigns through Prague City Tourism. The “Stay in Prague” campaign, primarily targeting international visitors, aims to showcase the city’s rich cultural offerings and allure discerning travelers seeking memorable experiences.

With its rising reputation and continued investment in tourism development, Prague is poised to solidify its position as a premier destination for congresses and conferences, contributing to the city’s economic growth and global recognition.

Article by Prague Forum