Vienna’s 2013 congress report contains first-rate results: Over 3,000 congresses and corporate events, and – for the first time ever – over a half a million delegates represent a new record.

In the year 2013, 501,337 delegates (+1% on 2012) attended 3,389 congresses and corporate events in Vienna, 13 more than the previous year. Nevertheless, the resulting 1,401,888 bednights fell short of the preceding year’s exceptionally high level (-8%). The national value-added generated by the Vienna conference industry contributed 832.17 million euros to Austria’s gross domestic product, securing 16,000 year-round jobs in the process. In total, Vienna recorded around 12.7 million visitor overnights in 2013. Congress tourism accounted for 11% of this amount.

The latest statistics published by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) in 2013 confirmed Vienna as the world’s No. 1 destination for international congresses in 2012 for the eighth time in succession. “Vienna’s success as a congress metropolis is based on many different factors,” according to Director of Tourism Norbert Kettner. “Meetings in the Austrian capital are optimally supported by municipal and academic facilities, and with 24 licensed certification agencies for Green Meetings, Vienna has already demonstrated vision with respect to environmental sustainability, and the city’s growing importance as a Central European hub is proving a valuable asset.

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