Vienna's meeting industry delivered its strongest ever performance in 2024. The economic benefits generated by congresses and corporate events were unprecedented, both for the capital and Austria as a whole. "I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all of the stakeholders in Vienna's meeting industry, and my congratulations on a groundbreaking success that even surpasses the sector's pre-pandemic highs," said Vienna Tourist Board CEO Norbert Kettner. With 6,619 congresses and corporate meetings in total, Vienna exceeded its previous record from 2023 by 3%. Around 671,000 participants - a year-on-year increase of 6% - accounted for a 26% rise in accommodations, generating 1,999,000 overnight stays. "This clearly shows that meeting visitors are staying longer in Vienna, and the city is reaping significant rewards as a result," Kettner added. At three bednights (2.98), the average stay for this segment is notably higher than that of the average Vienna visitor (2.3 bednights).

Billion Euro economic engine generates a million in taxes daily

"The economic effects of Vienna's meeting industry extend far beyond the city limits and are a major driver of growth for all of Austria," Kettner confirmed. The nationwide economic impact induced by meetings reached a record EUR 1.32bn in 2024 - a clear signal of strength in economically challenging times. Tax revenues also rose, to EUR 365m, with EUR 213m of this amount going to the federal government and EUR 152m to provinces and municipalities. In total, EUR 45m was allocated to Vienna. "But it is not through economic output alone that the industry makes such a significant contribution - it also creates thousands of jobs. A reliable employer, Vienna's meeting industry secured 23,500 full-year jobs in 2024," Kettner explained.

Every ninth overnight stay in 2024 accounted for by a congress or corporate meeting

With 6,619 meetings, Vienna set a number of new benchmarks in 2024. Significantly surpassing the previous year's performance, the latest statistics show 2,193 congresses (up 2% on 2023) and 4,426 corporate events (up 3%). Put another way, one in every nine visitor overnight stays in Vienna came from a congress or corporate meeting. "In our Visitor Economy Strategy, we set ourselves an ambitious goal of making sure that the meeting sector accounts for at least one in ten overnight stays in Vienna over the long term. In 2024, we exceeded this target at times. However, maintaining this share against the backdrop of an expanding leisure tourism sector - which will continue to grow in the coming years - is far from a given. The meeting industry is a global business, and the operating environment is becoming more competitive. Emerging players are already investing heavily in infrastructure so that they can claim a piece of the pie. Competition is intensifying - and our strategy is focused even more closely on strengthening Vienna as a meeting hub," Kettner said. "Meetings are the major driver behind our Visitor Economy."

International congresses: Key drivers of economic impact and tax revenue

"International congresses promote intercultural exchange and have a positive impact on science and research. And, above all, they are the backbone of Vienna's meeting industry - making a significant contribution to economic performance each year," Kettner highlighted. In 2024, there were 781 international congresses - a 7% increase - as well as 1,412 domestic congresses. Of the EUR 1.32bn in economic impact induced by all 6,619 meetings during the year, more than three-quarters (78%; EUR 1.03bn) was attributable to congresses - with the lion's share, totaling EUR 956.42m, contributed by international congresses. Although international congresses accounted for just 12% of all meetings, they were behind 39% of all participants (260,000), two-thirds (67%) of all overnight stays (1,338,000), three-quarters (73%) of the economic impact (EUR 956m), and the majority of tax revenues (EUR 267.23m).

Vienna extends its leading role as a medical congress hub

In 2024, events in the congress sector were dominated by the human medicine category. Accounting for 43% of overnight stays generated by congresses, this segment significantly outpaced all other categories. Formal science congresses contributed 12%, humanities and politics 9% each, and technology 8%. As one of the United Nations headquarters, the share of congresses related to the organization was also significant, at 8%. "Vienna is a diplomatic hub and a leader in medical congresses. These figures go to show just how important Vienna's international orientation remains. As a medium-sized city in a small country, we need an international mindset, have to nurture our role on the diplomatic stage, and expand connectivity within global transport networks," Kettner reiterated. Close cooperation between the Vienna Convention Bureau and local institutions such as the Medical University of Vienna and the University of Vienna has already secured a number of high-profile medical congresses for Vienna. These include the European Society for Sexual Medicine's 2025 Congress (February 20-22, 2025, 1,000 participants) and the Annual Meeting of the Association for Computational Linguistics (July 27-August 1, 2025; 3,500 participants). Working alongside the Technical University of Vienna, the Vienna Tourist Board brought the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (June 1-5, 2026; 7,000 participants) to the city.

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Strong momentum in corporate events, AI congresses on the rise

"The international corporate meeting segment also experienced a period of dynamic growth in 2024, setting a new record with 2,155 events - which represented a 10% increase year on year. By comparison there were 2,271 domestic events, which represented a year-on-year decrease of 3%. The rise in overnight stays in this segment is equally notable: the total was up by nearly half, or 46%, compared with 2023, to 427,000," Kettner noted. Artificial intelligence is here to stay: in 2024, Vienna hosted the European premiere of the TEDAI Congress at the Volkstheater and will again host Europe's official TED Talks on AI at the HOFBURG Vienna this year. "We are also welcoming Check Point Software Technologies to the Vienna Congress & Convention Center VIECON, where AI-powered and cloud-based cybersecurity solutions will be discussed," Kettner added.

Congress Visitor Study: Deep insights for strategic planning

In addition to the annual meeting statistics, the Vienna Convention Bureau conducts studies. Carried out at multi-year intervals since 1991, they specifically look at congress visitors' behavioral patterns and expectations. The studies provide deep insights into a strategically important target group, and allow future developments to be anticipated and proactive action to be taken. Most recently, between September and December 2024, around 600 participants at international specialist congresses in the human medicine, technology, environment and energy categories were surveyed - 94% in person on-site, 6% online. "Our congress visitor studies are in demand internationally, as they highlight future trends that provide strategic guidance," explained Anita Paic, Head of the Vienna Convention Bureau at the Vienna Tourist Board. "With its comprehensive analyses, Vienna consistently sets standards that not only shape our own congress strategy but also serve as a benchmark for other destinations."

Eight out of ten congress visitors arrive by air

The 2024 congress visitor study results paint a clear picture: for two-thirds (60%) of respondents, good international transport connections are a decisive factor. Eight out of ten (84%) - significantly more than before the pandemic - travel by plane, with nearly half (40%) using home carrier Austrian Airlines. "International air traffic is the lifeblood of Vienna's meeting industry, and Vienna's accessibility via direct flights is critical to the success of the Vienna Convention Bureau's acquisition activities. Bolstering Vienna International Airport's standing as a key aviation hub and improving Austrian Airlines’ network function remains our strategic backbone," Kettner confirmed. At the same time, the Vienna Tourist Board promotes rail travel through its Rail Service Development plan where feasible. There are also numerous initiatives in place among organizers. In one such example, around 1,000 of the approximately 20,000 participants that attended the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) used the "ÖBB Congress Account" this year, with another 1,200 opting to use the City Airport Train to complete their journey into the city.

Vienna hosts two-thirds of Austria's green meetings

Climate protection plays an important role for congress visitors, especially public transportation, which around two thirds (63%) of respondents reported using. "Vienna leads the way in this area: Our Wiener Linien transportation network was recently named Europe's second-best public transport network. Vienna also leads the way in Green Meeting certifications," Kettner noted. In 2024, 302 congresses and corporate meetings in Austria were certified as Green Meetings, 199 of which were held in Vienna, meaning two-thirds (66%) of meetings that achieved certification took place in the capital. Compared to 2023, the number of Green Meetings nationwide doubled (up 96%), with Vienna putting in an even stronger showing with growth of 172%. Top marks were also given for a subjective feeling of personal safety: a good two-thirds (67%) said that Vienna was superior to its competitors in this respect and a third of respondents (32%) said that it was as safe as other cities (only 1% did not share this view).

Benefitting the destination: Spending twice as high

"The study highlights the prevailing trend in our metrics, which shows that congress visitors tend to stay longer in Vienna," Paic revealed. Specifically, 86% also intend to come to Vienna for a private visit and around a quarter (27%) of visitors in this segment extended their stay last year. They spent their free time outside the congress sightseeing (50%), museum visits (33%), and shopping (25%), and enjoyed dining out in the evenings (92%). Congress visitors' spending habits also makes them economically significant: they spend an average of EUR 560 per overnight stay - almost double that of the average visitor to Vienna (EUR 360). "People who travel to the city for meetings integrate seamlessly into its fabric and are natural consumers of its high-quality offerings. Congresses are a cornerstone for the advancement of quality tourism, and they benefit the entire Visitor Economy - from accommodation and hospitality to retail," Paic said.

Premium offerings: What participants are looking for - and find in Vienna

Nine out of ten congress visitors (88%) stay in hotels, with the majority (57%) choosing 4 or 5-star accommodations. This aligns with official statistics, given that around 60% of the city's 82,000 beds (in 41,000 rooms across 433 accommodation providers) fall into these categories. Compared to pre-pandemic levels, Vienna's overall accommodation capacity has risen by a fifth, with the share accounted for by premium categories and the high-end segment holding steady, and in some cases increasing. "This quality boost and the added variety are further reasons for organizers to hold their meetings in Vienna," Paic highlighted.

"Legacy" programs on the rise

Congress organizers are increasingly aiming to make a positive impact on the city and its residents that goes beyond purely economic benefits. In 2025, the Vienna Tourist Board, working closely with organizers, will implement a number of legacy projects. Ahead of the European Renal Association's annual congress (June 4-7, 2025), students at three schools in Vienna will have the opportunity to learn about kidney health, including a creative competition with prizes. During the congress itself, people can also have a free kidney check at the Austria Center Vienna. The European Space Agency's Living Planet Symposium (June 23-27, 2025) will create a hands-on science experience through a traveling exhibition, interactive stations, and live music at Karlsplatz. "Initiatives like these benefit the local population and underpin acceptance of tourism," Paic noted. Two-thirds (69%) of Viennese residents already recognize meetings as an important factor for the city.

Vienna provides acquisition boost: Vienna Meeting Fund

The City of Vienna launched the Vienna Meeting Fund during the pandemic to enhance the destination's competitiveness on the global stage and attract international meetings to Vienna. Now it uses the fund to secure meetings outside peak season and provide a framework for making them more climate-friendly. Currently in its third edition, this funding scheme, which is managed by the Vienna Tourist Board and the Convention Bureau, targets multi-day international events held in months other than May, June, September, and October, and where at least half of overnight stays are accounted for by international participants. The full funding amount of EUR 60,000 per event is only available if Green Meeting or ÖkoEvent certification is secured. "More than 1,200 applications had been submitted by the end of 2024, with over 800 meetings approved for the May 2021 to December 2028 funding period. Of the EUR 12m that was allocated to the fund in three tranches, almost EUR 3m is still available," Kettner confirmed.

online until all the funding has been allocated.

50 meetings with over 1,000 participants this year, acquisitions extend all the way into 2038

This year, Vienna is hosting over 50 congresses and corporate events with over 1,000 participants - five major congresses had more than 10,000 participants. The season got under way with the European Congress of Radiology (February 26-March 2, 2025; 20,500 participants, Austria Center Vienna). It will be followed by the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (April 11-15, 2025; 14,500 participants, VIECON) and the General Assembly of the European Geosciences Union/EGU (April 27-May 2, 2025; 20,000 participants, ACV) held in Vienna since 2005, the EGU has embraced the legacy concept since 2018, building a bridge between science and society. This year, it is hosting a lecture on earth sciences for Viennese residents at the Austrian Academy of Sciences. Thousands of participants are also expected at the dental congress EuroPerio11 (May 14-17, 2025; 10,000 participants, VIECON) and the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (September 16-19, 2025; 15,000 participants, VIECON). "Last year alone, the Vienna Convention Bureau secured 120 international congresses and corporate meetings with a total of 150,000 participants, which will take place in the city all the way through to 2030," Paic noted, highlighting the relatively long lead times in the meeting sector. At present, the organization is reviewing more than 250 worldwide applications for meetings up to 2038.