Vienna reports record conference year and €4m investment in Green and off-season meetings

Vienna reports hosting a record 6,500 congresses and corporate events in 2023, a 49% increase over the previous year and 18% more than the record-setting year of 2019. The Austrian capital also attracted 633,000 attendees last year, marking a 40% rise from 2022 and slightly above the previous high in 2019. The events held resulted in 1,591,000 overnight stays – up 34% from 2022. On the back of the 2023 results, the City has extended the Vienna Meeting Fund with an additional €4m investment slated for 2025-2028. The fund has already supported 700 conferences since its inception in May 2021, significantly enhancing Vienna’s status as a meetings destination, especially during traditionally lower-demand months. Originally set to conclude at the end of 2024, the fund continues and has seen €8m allocated from 2021 to 2024 to support the destination in attracting top-tier events, contributing to the city’s economic vitality and sustainable development goals. Vienna Tourist Board Norbert Kettner says: “Conferences are a cornerstone of Vienna’s visitor economy, driving consistent room occupancy and long-term economic benefits. The re-launch of the Vienna Meeting Fund is a testament to our city’s commitment to being a leading destination for high-quality, sustainable tourism. Our excellent transport links and the presence of international organisations play a crucial role in our success.” Anita Paic, Head of B2B Management/Vienna Convention Bureau, adds: “Our bureau currently oversees more than 200 applications for hosting international congresses stretching as far out as 2032. This year alone, over 50 meetings with more than 1,000 participants each, and six major events with over 10,000 attendees each, demonstrate Vienna’s capability to sustain the momentum from a highly successful 2023. The return to in-person events signals a full recovery in the conference sector, and we are grateful for the ongoing efforts of our venue partners and service providers.” In 2023, international congresses made up only 11% of all events in Vienna, while accounting for over one-third of all participants and two-thirds of overnight stays. The sectors leading these events include human medicine, banking & finance, and technology, with these areas also heavily influencing the types of corporate meetings held in Vienna.  Funding initiative From 2025, the maximum funding from the Vienna Meeting Fund of €60,000 available per event will require proof of sustainability and the event to be held as a Green Meeting or EcoEvent. Otherwise, the maximum funding amount will instead be €48,000. This is aimed at international meetings that are not during the peak months of May, June, September, or October. To date, 700 events receiving commitments. In the overall ranking published by ICCA in 2023, Vienna took first place worldwide for the second year in a row, while the Union of International Associations (UIA) ranked Vienna second in the same year. For more information on the Vienna Meeting Fund as well as to download the complete Vienna Meeting Industry Report 2023, visit: meeting.vienna.info Photo: Copyright: © WienTourismus/Paul Bauer