With a total of 104 international congresses held in 2008, Copenhagen is one of the world’s most appealing congress cities – ahead of both London and Geneva.
According to the latest report from the Union of International Association (UIA), Copenhagen is the world’s 9th most popular destination for international congresses.This is based on figures from 2008, during which the city hosted the European Haematology Association, with 6,700 participants, and the European Society of Anaesthesiologists, with 5,000 participants, among other events. Both took place in Scandinavia’s largest convention centre, the Bella Center.
Meanwhile, 2009 is also shaping up to be a particularly good year during which Copenhagen will host a range of major congresses.
Steen Jakobsen, Congress Director at Wonderful Copenhagen CVB, says: “Fifteen of the many congresses we are hosting in 2009 have between 2,000 and 15,000 participants. This includes, for example, the IOC’s 121st session and 13th congress, and the UN Convention on Climate Change COP15.”
Major expansion ahead
Copenhagen’s success as a congress city is partly explained by the short distances between its hotels and conference facilities, as well as by the fact that Copenhagen Airport is Northern Europe’s main air traffic hub.
The city boasts an international reputation for its low crime rate; general efficiency levels; its cultural and entertainment attractions; and its selection of good restaurants. Meanwhile, the Copenhagen region’s dynamic research and scientific environment is recognized internationally – the region is particularly strong within the medical and IT fields.
Furthermore, the city’s facilities have expanded significantly during the last decade and continue to do so. Next year will see the opening of the Tivoli Congress Center, with space for 4,000 delegates in the heart of Copenhagen. And, before the end of 2011, the city’s hotel capacity will have expanded by over 30% to a total of 19,000 rooms.
Top-15
1. Singapore, 637
2. Paris, 419
3. Brussels, 299
4. Vienna, 249
5. Barcelona, 193
6. Tokyo, 150
7. Seoul, 125
8. Budapest, 116
9. COPENHAGEN, 104
10. London, 103
11. Geneva, 102
12. Amsterdam, 99
13. Lisbon, 98
14. Istanbul, 80
15. Athens, 79
