Porto is among the 31 most popular destinations for business events

The city of Porto soared 11 places up in the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) ranking and now is one of most sought-after destination for business events, namely, conferences, congresses and meetings.

Porto emerges as the country that has grown faster than any other in this overall score for business travel services. 

The ranking was released today and Porto has been ranked as one of the top 31 best cities ahead of New York, Rio de Janeiro, Zurich, Dubai, Munich or Milan.

No other city in Europe, except for Porto and Barcelona, according to ICCA published figures, is included in this ranking as non-capital city. Porto has been strengthening its position in the sector, since 2015 and 2016.

Filipe Guimarães, the Executive Director of the Tourism Association of Porto (ATP), responsible for the external promotion of Porto and the Northern region of Portugal, affirms that "these data demonstrate that the commitment to improving the business tourism sector has been very successful and Porto, along with being a genuine and traditional destination, is now also perceived as a cosmopolitan city that has great entrepreneurship and innovation levels."

For Filipe Guimarães "this positive outcome is also related to the academic and scientific prestige of Portuguese universities, hospitals, and professional associations, medical societies and scientific associations, as entrepreneurship and innovation are out in Porto in large numbers".

Also, Sandra Lorenz, Director for External Promotion of the ATP, says that "these figures confirm Porto as a MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences e exhibitions) destination, enhancing Porto's potential as business city".

"And in the near future, Porto will rely on new business venues such as Palácio de Cristal, as well as increased accommodation capacity and meeting rooms", the official concluded.