Athens has officially been named one of the world’s top destinations for conference tourism in 2024, climbing five positions to rank 10th globally and 7th in Europe, according to the latest data from the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).
The announcement was made during the IMEX 2025 exhibition in Frankfurt, highlighting Athens’ growing appeal in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. The ICCA rankings are based on an analysis of over 11,000 international conferences held in 2024.
The Greek capital’s rise demonstrates its increasing popularity among event organizers and reflects the effectiveness of ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure, promote sustainability, and provide high-quality services.
“Athens’ rise to 10th place worldwide and 7th in Europe reflects our strategic choice to invest in sustainable tourism and in the upgrade of the city’s infrastructure,” said Athens Mayor Haris Doukas.
“Conference tourism strengthens the local economy, extends the tourist season, and promotes Athens as a hub of innovation and international dialogue. This distinction is a vote of confidence in the hospitality of the Greek capital and a strong incentive to continue our efforts to strengthen MICE tourism.”
According to ICCA data, Athens hosted 111 international conferences in 2024, attracting over 40,300 visitors and generating an estimated 94 million euros in revenue.
Athens now shares the global spotlight with other MICE powerhouses such as Vienna, Lisbon, Singapore, Barcelona, Prague, Paris, Seoul, Bangkok, and Rome, reinforcing its status as a premier destination for international business events.
The majority of international conferences are held in the areas of medicine, technology, science, education and industry.
