Ljubljana, 03 June (STA) - Ljubljana is becoming more successful as a congress destination, shows the ranking by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) where it placed 39th in 2024, gaining 11 spots from the year before. Such recognition has a multiplier effect on the local economy, the Ljubljana Tourist Board said.
Ljubljana placed 23rd among European cities, ahead of the likes of Munich, Zürich, Bologna, Florence, Zagreb and Belgrade, the director of the Ljubljana Tourist Board Petra Stušek said at a press conference on Tuesday.
Ljubljana placed among the most successful congress destinations with good cooperation of local stakeholders, a goal-oriented offer and effective promotion strategies, the board said.
Ljubljana organised 99 international events in 2024, which is a 23.5% growth compared to 2023. Almost 85% events had fewer than 500 attendees, which further proves Ljubljana's success in global competition, the board said. Smaller events do not require as much support infrastructure and congress capacities, which means that more cities around the world can vie to host them.
Ljubljana also hosted several large international meetings with 1,000 or more attendees, such as the 24th congress of the European Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, held in April. In May the 14th international congress on autoimmunity was held, while in June the European Network of Science Centres and Museums meeting was held in Slovenia for the first time.
"The high placement of Ljubljana on the ICCA ranking is a confirmation that the city is successfully building its reputation as a responsible, sustainable and relevant destination with excellent conditions for international meetings," the board wrote.
Ljubljana's compactness is one of its advantages, alongside an effective event organising ecosystem, the board said.
The recognition of Slovenia as a congress destination has multiplier effects on the local economy, long-term development of the city and its reputation.
The economic effect of a large event can surpass EUR 2 million. An average event with 800 attendees generated more than EUR 1.2 million in direct and indirect spending and another EUR 500,000 to EUR 700,000 in induced impacts, the Event Impact Calculator shows.
All polls show that congress guests are the best guests, Ljubljana Mayor Zoran Janković said. "The congress guest returns to Ljubljana with their family and that is exceptional advertising for us," he said, adding that Ljubljana is a safe, clean and green city with good food to offer.
Ljubljana will get a new congress hall in three to four years with the renovation of the Baraga Seminary, the mayor said.
