PRESS RELEASE - ICCA Ranking 2022: Bologna ranked 35th and third in Italy after Rome and Milan

Following the IMEX trade fair in Frankfurt, one of the most important MICE industry events of the year, the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) ranking of the world's top congress destinations for international association congresses in 2022 was finally released.

While in 2018 - hitherto the best year for the city's ranking - Bologna was rated 84th in the world, with a total of 33 international events hosted, for the year 2022 it rose to 35th place, with a total of 45 international events hosted. The city thus gained forty-nine positions compared to its best year.

The destination also gained a place in the Top 30 in Europe, achieving 27th place (in 2018 it was 46th), topping the national rankings as well, with only Rome and Milan ahead in Italy's Top 3.

Great results for Italy as well, rising from 6th place in 2018 to 3rd place in 2022, ahead of Germany, France and the UK, with no less than 522 events organised - only six fewer than Spain, the runner-up.

These are very important results for Bologna: by comparing the performance of destinations all over the world, the ICCA report pays great attention both to the results achieved at national level and to the data related to individual cities, and represents not only an important feedback on the destination's performance, but also a relevant promotional showcase at international level.

The creation of Bologna Convention Bureau has made a fundamental contribution to the favourable position achieved by the capital of Emilia Romagna. Since its foundation, it has marked a turning point in the destination's performance, increasing the visibility of the city and its potential in the convention sector: this has allowed Bologna to stand out in the meetings industry sector and to attract numerous international conference and event organisers.

Moreover, the great variety and versatility of event venues, both in the city centre and in the entire metropolitan area, the synergic cooperation between territorial operators, city institutions and universities, as well as the privileged geographical position, all contribute to making Bologna a destination of great international interest. The city is indeed a natural crossroads for Italy and the world, partly due to the continuous expansion of railway and motorway lines and the great development of G. Marconi Airport.

Building on the excellent results achieved, the city is determined to grow further and to continue investing in its potential as a destination for international and national events. To this end, the Municipality of Bologna has launched this year an incentive plan dedicated to the congress sector, Bologna Welcomes Events: a fund of up to € 500,000 per year, earmarked for organisers who opted for metropolitan Bologna as the venue for the next edition of their event from 2023 to 2026. The incentive plan now represents a further competitive advantage that singles out the city against international competition: to date, 16 events have already applied, 6 national and 10 international, with an average of 830 participants, demonstrating how the plan is a concrete stimulus for the destination.