Lisbon Named Europe’s Best Business Tourism Destination for 2025, Get the Details Here

Published on December 12, 2025

Once more, the vibrant capital of Portugal has shown its prominence in the sector of business tourism. At the 6th edition of the World MICE Awards, which took place in Sakhir, Bahrain, the city was named Europe’s Best MICE Destination for 2025. This recognition earned Lisbon this distinction for the third time and further established it as one of the favorite venues for international congresses, meetings, and corporate events. Continuing in full force, Lisbon once again produces a fabulous showcase of its capabilities in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions-MICE sector, highly important for its economic growth and tourist development.

Lisbon’s Growing Role in Global Business Tourism

Lisbon’s recognition as Europe’s Best MICE Destination highlights the city’s increasing influence in the global business tourism industry. The MICE sector has become a significant driver of economic development, attracting thousands of international delegates to the city each year. The city’s modern infrastructure, diverse cultural offerings, and accessibility make it an ideal location for high-profile business events, including international conferences, incentive programs, and exhibitions.

For a city like Lisbon, whose tourism industry has traditionally been known for leisure travel, this recognition underscores its growing capacity to cater to the needs of corporate travelers. The combination of world-class facilities, well-established venues, and a professional workforce has made Lisbon an attractive destination for business tourism, where the focus is on providing efficient services for meetings, conventions, and exhibitions.

Key Factors Behind Lisbon’s Success in MICE Tourism

Lisbon’s ability to stand out in the competitive MICE sector can be attributed to several key factors. First and foremost, the city boasts excellent accessibility, with a well-connected international airport that serves as a major gateway for travelers from all corners of the globe. The city’s proximity to Europe and its strategic location as a bridge between the Americas, Africa, and Europe further enhance its appeal for international events.

Lisbon’s hotel capacity is another crucial factor contributing to its MICE success. With a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to more budget-friendly choices, the city can accommodate events of all sizes. In addition, Lisbon offers state-of-the-art conference venues, such as the Lisbon Congress Centre and FIL – Feira Internacional de Lisboa, which provide modern facilities tailored to the specific needs of business events. These venues, along with several others throughout the city, offer flexible spaces equipped with the latest technology, ensuring smooth and efficient events.

Furthermore, Lisbon’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere serve as an added incentive for delegates to visit. Beyond business, Lisbon offers a plethora of attractions, including historic landmarks, world-renowned gastronomy, and a lively arts scene, providing attendees with a chance to explore the city in their downtime. This combination of business and leisure opportunities makes Lisbon a destination that appeals to both corporate clients and their guests, offering a well-rounded experience.

Statements of Support from Lisbon’s Key Figures

Carlos Moedas, Mayor of Lisbon, expressed his pride in the city’s achievement, emphasizing how the recognition strengthens Lisbon’s position as a leader in the European business tourism market. “This distinction demonstrates Lisbon’s capacity to attract events that generate investment and employment. Business tourism is today a central piece in the city’s development strategy, and this recognition shows that we are consolidating a leadership position in Europe,” said Moedas.

Paula Oliveira, Executive Director of the Lisbon Tourism Association (ATL), echoed these sentiments, highlighting the city’s evolving strategy to meet the demands of the modern business tourism market. “This recognition reflects a strategy that has been able to evolve with the market. Today, Lisbon presents a competitive proposition for events of all sizes, benefiting from the quality of its infrastructure, the professionalization of the sector, and an ecosystem capable of responding to the demands of international organizers,” Oliveira explained.

The Growing Importance of MICE Tourism to Lisbon’s Economy

The impact of the MICE sector on Lisbon’s economy cannot be overstated. According to data from the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Lisbon ranked second among European cities in 2024 for the number of international association events, with 153 events held in the city. This statistic highlights Lisbon’s increasing importance as a hub for global business tourism and reflects the city’s success in attracting high-profile events.

MICE tourism not only generates significant revenue through event-related spending, but it also provides long-term economic benefits by fostering international partnerships and promoting Lisbon’s global visibility. As the city continues to strengthen its position in the MICE market, it can expect to see continued growth in business tourism, with more events and conferences scheduled to take place in the coming years.

Lisbon’s Competitive Edge in the MICE Sector

Lisbon’s ongoing success in the MICE sector can also be attributed to its adaptability and commitment to excellence. The city’s infrastructure is continuously improving to meet the evolving needs of international event organizers, with a focus on providing cutting-edge facilities and services. The professionalization of the sector, coupled with the collaboration between local authorities and business tourism stakeholders, has ensured that Lisbon remains competitive in an increasingly crowded market.

Moreover, Lisbon’s investment in sustainability and innovation is another key factor that sets it apart from other MICE destinations. The city has made strides in offering environmentally friendly solutions for business events, with many venues incorporating sustainable practices and green technologies. This commitment to sustainability resonates with modern businesses, which are increasingly seeking eco-friendly options for their corporate gatherings.

Impact on Tourism and Visitors

Lisbon’s recognition as Europe’s Best MICE Destination is expected to have a positive ripple effect on its overall tourism industry. As more international events are scheduled in the city, both business and leisure tourism will benefit. Delegates attending conferences and exhibitions often extend their stays to explore Lisbon’s rich history, enjoy its culinary delights, and participate in local cultural activities. This, in turn, leads to an increase in visitor numbers, boosting the city’s hospitality sector and local businesses.

Additionally, as the MICE sector grows, Lisbon will continue to attract not only international delegates but also event organizers, industry professionals, and suppliers from across the globe. This influx of talent and expertise will further enhance the city’s standing as a global destination for business tourism.

A Bright Future for Lisbon’s MICE Industry

The recognition achieved at the World MICE Awards once again confirms that Lisbon is among Europe’s leading destinations for business tourism. With its unbeatable accessibility, modern infrastructure, rich cultural diversity, and focus on sustainability, Lisbon will continue pioneering and leading within the MICE market. The achieved award will be an excellent springboard to yet more opportunities and will further consolidate Lisbon’s position within the global tourism map.