News

Paris Tops For Meetings and Conferences

October 22, 2019

Paris tops the list as a global destination for meetings and conferences, according to Global DMC Partners, the largest global network of independently-owned destination management companies.

In its 2019 Global Destination Index, Paris is followed by Copenhagen, number two and Chicago number three. See below for the complete list that is based on data collected from nearly 7,000 meeting and incentive programs in the over 500 destinations that Global DMC Partners represents.

“Companies that focus on socially responsible initiatives through their events and incentives directly contribute to supporting local growth, reducing poverty, protecting the environment and promoting peace in their host destination,” explained Global DMC Partners President and CEO Catherine Chaulet. “During a time when travel is more accessible to the masses than ever before, we have a responsibility to inform and educate in order to alleviate overtourism and undertourism. The meetings and events industry must bring awareness to emerging or secondary destinations while showcasing hidden gems within popular markets to avoid already overly toured areas.”

To compile the index, Global DMC Partners evaluated leads received from their global client base of meeting and event planners organizing meetings, conferences, incentives and business events around the world in 2019 and 2020. The data was separated into two categories, meetings and incentives, to highlight how cities attract different types of groups.

“Because our client database is global, we are able to see some surprising destinations that show up on either list or on both and provide valuable insights,” explained Chaulet. “For example, Budapest is a popular location for European meetings but also a top pick for incentive trips from the Americas.”

Top 2019 Global Destinations for Meetings & Conferences