These are the best L meeting destinations in New Europe, according to Meetings Star, the annual ranking and award curated by the editorial board of Kongres Magazine and Conventa.
What is the Meeting Experience Index (MTLG)?
An original matrix for evaluating destinations, published every year by Kongres Magazine. It is a reference system that enables a realistic comparison of destinations over time. The Meeting Experience Index is one of the most complex destination evaluations that is not based solely on the number of congresses or events taking place at a destination but also delves into analysis holistically. The methodology addresses all key segments of the industry and MICE products. 75 evaluation criteria are used to determine the final destination score.
What is New Europe?
The answer to this question is something of an unsolved conundrum. A clear definition of New Europe doesn’t exist, the most general definition being that these are the countries of Eastern Europe that were once behind the Iron Curtain. Technically, this means 24 countries of Eastern Europe, adding Greece and Turkey to them. In our Editorial, we include the fresh, energetic and lesser-known European destinations in New Europe.
THE 10 BEST L – MEETING DESTINATIONS
Destinations that can host up to 2,000 congress attendees
10. GDANSK, POLAND
Gdansk differs markedly from other Polish cities because of the special atmosphere in the old town and its many historical sites suitable for congress tourism. There is an attractive mix of west and east, of northern culture and of the old and the new, all adding to the city’s unique identity. Gdansk is known as a place of freedom, which is written into its genetic code and is reflected in its rich cultural heritage and current cultural and artistic production. As a result of the hyperactive Convention Bureau, Gdansk as a destination is in an extremely high position in comparison with other Polish international destinations.
| The number of 4* and 5* hotel rooms | 1,406 |
| The number of 4* and 5* hotels | 13 |
| Destination population | 461,489 |
| Banquet hall maximum capacity | 3,600 |
| The largest hall in the city | 12,000 m2 |
| Theatre style hall maximum capacity | 6,000 |
| Number of studios for digital and hybrid events | 13 |
| Average internet speed when organising an event | 27 Mbps |
9. RIGA, LATVIA
Riga offers vivid and contrasting tourism infrastructure. Its small boutique concept hotels are located next to modern and contemporary larger hotels. Riga is home to the largest hotel in the Baltics – Radisson Blu Latvia with 571 guest rooms. Riga’s city restaurants offer modern Latvian cuisine to surprise and satisfy the most demanding gourmet eaters. Riga for meetings and event planners is like a chocolate shop – there is a variety of flavours for everyone. Various museums and exhibition halls, alongside a great meeting offer, render the city a must-visit for classical music and opera lovers. There are numerous parks and gardens in the city centre, and visitors can even meet beavers in the canal in the city.
| The number of 4* and 5* hotel rooms | 4,848 |
| The number of 4* and 5* hotels | 36 |
| Destination population | 605,802 |
| Banquet hall maximum capacity | 2,070 |
| The largest hall in the city | 3,551 m2 |
| Theatre style hall maximum capacity | 3,335 |
| Number of studios for digital and hybrid events | 5 |
| Average internet speed when organising an event | 63 Mbps |
8. GRAZ, AUSTRIA
Graz is a mature tourist destination, which is despite the crisis recording a steady growth of tourist arrivals and overnight stays in all tourism segments. Cultural diversity, rich history and the connecting Mura River have formed a high experiential diversity, which is reflected in the many opportunities for congress and incentive organizers and planners. In terms of infrastructure and transport, Graz is still the leading regional convention destination and can be also in this term described as modern, dynamic and internationally competitive. With more than 154 congress events and some 46.000 participants, it achieves excellent results and is stable on the charts ranking international events. A very big focus in Graz is on environmental responsibility and the tidiness of the surrounding areas and infrastructure.
| The number of 4* and 5* hotel rooms | 2,242 |
| The number of 4* and 5* hotels | 25 |
| Destination population | 291,072 |
| Banquet hall maximum capacity | 2,800 |
| The largest hall in the city | 6,500 m2 |
| Theatre style hall maximum capacity | 5,565 |
| Number of studios for digital and hybrid events | 5 |
| Average internet speed when organising an event | 28 Mbps |
7. KRAKOW, POLAND
The most illustrious success of the Krakow Network Protocol is by far the successful bid to host the ICCA Congress 2022. The 61st ICCA Congress will take place in the autumn of 2022 in ICE Krakow. Their successful candidature is a testament to the saying: “In unity, there is strength”. Krakow was selected miles ahead of Athens and Bangkok. The congress will be an unparalleled opportunity for the entire region, and according to the destination, we can expect record attendance at next year’s event in Krakow.
| The number of 4* and 5* hotel rooms | 5,999 |
| The number of 4* and 5* hotels | 74 |
| Destination population | 780,981 |
| Banquet hall maximum capacity | 2,700 |
| The largest hall in the city | 5,000 m2 |
| Theatre style hall maximum capacity | 4,000 |
| Number of studios for digital and hybrid events | 13 |
| Average internet speed when organising an event | 33 Mbps |
7. THESSALONIKI, GREECE
A diverse and holistic meetings offer is well-connected through Thessaloniki Convention Bureau. The organisation has been placing the destination on the map with a fresh and innovative approach. Above all, the city impresses event organisers with its unmistakable energy and eclectic Meditteranean spirit. In this light, the destination seems like the rockish alter-ego of the larger meeting capital Barcelona. Thessaloniki is also the capital of Greek gastronomy which will surely impress event attendees. In addition, the city has excellent value for money.
| The number of 4* and 5* hotel rooms | 4,500 |
| The number of 4* and 5* hotels | 50 |
| Destination population | 1,110,912 |
| Banquet hall maximum capacity | 4,000 |
| The largest hall in the city | 6,000 m2 |
| Theatre style hall maximum capacity | 5,000 |
| Number of studios for digital and hybrid events | 11 |
| Average internet speed when organising an event | 24 Mbps |
7. BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
The city of four rivers defines the Danube river with its tributaries and with the mighty Renaissance castle above the intimate and compact old town. Bratislava is an undiscovered European congress capital that slowly and steadily penetrates into the congress market. It represents a novelty for the international congress market which impresses due to the kind and sympathetic city centre but also because of not excessive commercialization. The city is close to the congress organizers mainly due to a more personal congress experience – the city is very friendly and there are no problems with safety. The city centre is full of pubs, restaurants and shops and the hotel offer includes the best-known hotel chains.
| The number of 4* and 5* hotel rooms | 3,198 |
| The number of 4* and 5* hotels | 26 |
| Destination population | 434,736 |
| Banquet hall maximum capacity | 599 |
| The largest hall in the city | 2,500 m2 |
| Theatre style hall maximum capacity | 870 |
| Number of studios for digital and hybrid events | 2 |
| Average internet speed when organising an event | 24 Mbps |
6. VILNIUS, LITHUANIA
Over the last few years, Vilnius learned diligently, polished its offer and was preparing for its entry into the international congress scene. In their favour, they have the charm of the city, which is cosmopolitan, urban, very European and full of hidden surprises. It’s a city where socialist modernist architecture coexists with the Baroque centre, and unlike some other Eastern European congress destinations, this makes it very attractive. Vilnius is a credible partner of the international meetings industry and an undiscovered convention destination that appeals to because of its freshness. For all three Baltic Congress Tigers – Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn – we predict a sunny congress future.
| The number of 4* and 5* hotel rooms | 3,132 |
| The number of 4* and 5* hotels | 33 |
| Destination population | 559,421 |
| Banquet hall maximum capacity | 800 |
| The largest hall in the city | 3,450 m2 |
| Theatre style hall maximum capacity | 2,000 |
| Number of studios for digital and hybrid events | NA |
| Average internet speed when organising an event | 27 Mbps |
5. SALZBURG, AUSTRIA
Salzburg offers all the characteristics of a meeting destination and a cosmopolitan mix of visitors. With its location in the heart of Europe and because of the high quality of life, Salzburg has a great starting point in congress tourism. For current logistics and transport restrictions of the city, medium-sized congresses with up to 2.000 participants are the best suited. Two top-quality, modern and high-tech congress centres are together with a top-quality conference hotel infrastructure a foundation for this congress destination. In this area, they will offer you a superior product wrapped in superior packaging. Although you will find Mozart every step of your way and it seems that the clock stopped in the times of the famous composer, Salzburg is very modern and urban. Otherwise, location, location, location and once again location is considered a crucial reason for choosing Salzburg for your event.
| The number of 4* and 5* hotel rooms | 22,801 |
| The number of 4* and 5* hotels | 429 |
| Destination population | 562,704 |
| Banquet hall maximum capacity | 15,000 |
| The largest hall in the city | 15,165 m2 |
| Theatre style hall maximum capacity | 30,000 |
| Number of studios for digital and hybrid events | 10 |
| Average internet speed when organising an event | 80 Mbps |
4. HAGUE, NETHERLANDS
You have certainly heard of The Hague – it is always in the news due to the work of numerous international organisations and companies whose headquarters are in this city. You probably also know that it is located in The Netherlands, a friendly and vibrant country in the north of Europe. You are likely to be even more surprised that the city has a light and playful side to it – with its beautiful sandy beaches, promenades, bars, restaurants and a vibrant cultural scene, something that all the visitors to our city love to discover. But The Hague is in fact the perfect business event destination.
| The number of 4* and 5* hotel rooms | 3,681 |
| The number of 4* and 5* hotels | 26 |
| Destination population | 547,757 |
| Banquet hall maximum capacity | 1,500 |
| The largest hall in the city | 12,000 m2 |
| Theatre style hall maximum capacity | 2,161 |
| Number of studios for digital and hybrid events | 5 |
| Average internet speed when organising an event | 33 Mbps |
4. ZAGREB, CROATIA
A great congress future awaits Zagreb. It is well established in the international congress market and in addition to Ljubljana and Belgrade, it represents the future backbone of the continental meetings industry of the region. All three cities are progressing steadily on the charts of developed meeting destinations; the final breakthrough of the entire region is intertwined and dependent on the marketing of major regional congress cities in the international market.
| The number of 4* and 5* hotel rooms | 3,393 |
| The number of 4* and 5* hotels | 35 |
| Destination population | 809,268 |
| Banquet hall maximum capacity | 1,600 |
| The largest hall in the city | 5,000 m2 |
| Theatre style hall maximum capacity | 2,200 |
| Number of studios for digital and hybrid events | 15 |
| Average internet speed when organising an event | 22 Mbps |
3. LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA
According to its conference and accommodation infrastructure, Ljubljana belongs to the group of capitals suitable for medium-sized and smaller meetings (up to 2.000 participants). It is positioned side by side with the new EU member states and geographically in the region of the Western Balkans. With two top-level convention centres and a very well-developed hotel meetings offer, Ljubljana is the region’s leading congress destination. The city is extremely safe and one of the region’s most sustainably oriented.
| The number of 4* and 5* hotel rooms | 2,715 |
| The number of 4* and 5* hotels | 25 |
| Destination population | 279,756 |
| Banquet hall maximum capacity | 1,200 |
| The largest hall in the city | 2,456 m2 |
| Theatre style hall maximum capacity | 2,200 |
| Number of studios for digital and hybrid events | 10 |
| Average internet speed when organising an event | 56 Mbps |
2. PORTO, PORTUGAL
Porto is one of the oldest cities in the country, a city of culture and leisure, and a cosmopolitan and contemporary place. Because of the excellent facilities available in the region, Porto is the perfect destination for organising congresses, conferences and events. Porto is a destination where tradition meets modernity. It stands out from the crowd beacuse of the perfect symbiosis between past and future. One of the core advantages is the international airport with 60 direct routes, just minutes from the city centre.
| The number of 4* and 5* hotel rooms | 5,314 |
| The number of 4* and 5* hotels | 60 |
| Destination population | 214,349 |
| Banquet hall maximum capacity | 1,700 |
| The largest hall in the city | 2,200 m2 |
| Theatre style hall maximum capacity | 3,200 |
| Number of studios for digital and hybrid events | 9 |
| Average internet speed when organising an event | 32 Mbps |
WINNER: 1. TALLINN, ESTONIA
Tallinn remains one of the most compact cities in Europe. There are not many cities where you can see such a variety of different eras side by side. In recent years, Tallinn has finally opened up and become the accessible seaside capital that it is. Tourism is a branch of the economy that develops fast in Tallinn. According to the Tallinn strategic plan for 2025, the capital of Estonia will become a centre of festival and event tourism in the Baltic Sea region. The sprawling development of the city includes The Tallinn Cruise Terminal building, a welcomed addition, which has become one of the most popular event spaces in the city.
| The number of 4* and 5* hotel rooms | 5,344 |
| The number of 4* and 5* hotels | 41 |
| Destination population | 446,396 |
| Banquet hall maximum capacity | 1,300 |
| The largest hall in the city | 3,643 m2 |
| Theatre style hall maximum capacity | 6,999 |
| Number of studios for digital and hybrid events | 11 |
| Average internet speed when organising an event | 81 Mbps |
