Saturday, August 10, 2024 Porto will shine on the global stage as it hosts the 2025 ICCA World Congress , gathering top professionals to explore the future of event tourism. Porto has been chosen to host the 64th World Congress of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) in 2025, a significant event that will draw around 1,300 professionals from the global event tourism industry. This congress, scheduled for November 9th to 12th at the Alfândega Congress Centre, will bring together experts in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) to discuss the future of the sector.
This selection reflects the successful collaboration between Turismo do Porto e Norte, Turismo de Portugal, the Porto City Council , the Alfândega do Porto Congress Centre, and the ICCA Iberian Chapter. Their joint efforts underscore Porto’s growing reputation as a leading destination for international conferences and events. ICCA is thrilled to bring this major gathering to Porto, a city known for its vibrant culture and global appeal.
Porto currently ranks 23rd worldwide and 18th in Europe among cities hosting conferences, and it is recognized as the second most attractive non-capital city in Europe for event tourism. The 64th ICCA World Congress in 2025 will mark the return of this prominent event to Europe, following previous editions in Thailand in 2023 and Abu Dhabi in 2024. The event will continue its global journey with Panama City set to host in 2026.
Coinciding with this event, 2025 will also celebrate the 30th anniversary of Associação de Turismo do Porto e Norte , which was founded in 1995 under the Porto Convention Bureau brand to enhance the region’s appeal in the MICE segment. The ICCA stands as the leading organization in the congress and convention industry, representing key professionals involved in organizing, transporting, and hosting international events. As a global platform, the ICCA provides essential networking opportunities, educational resources, and professional development, along with critical data and statistics that support the industry’s growth and success.
.
