Seoul secured 180 international conferences in 2024, ranking the city as the third worldwide. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/sayan
Seoul and Tokyo have been named among the top ten of a ranking of cities that have hosted international meetings organised by non-profit associations.
This is according to the latest report by the Union of International Associations (UIA), a research institution which prepares statistics on the international meetings organised by international associations worldwide.
Its findings show that in 2024, Brussels hosted the most international meetings held by international non-profit associations. The report refers to a total of 8,859 meetings held around the world in 2024. Of these, 388 (7%) took place in Brussels, with Vienna taking second place with 239 meetings, and Seoul securing third place with 180. Barcelona and Tokyo were in fourth and fifth place, with 159 and 148 meetings respectively, while Dubai also made it in the top ten, ranking at position number ten, having hosted 109 meetings.
The rest of the top ten was made up of Rome (6), Lisbon (7), Madrid (8) and Paris (9). Seoul's performance also means it ranks first when looking at Asian destinations that have hosted international meetings organised by non-profit associations.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government explained that this success is the result of its ongoing efforts to attract international events, provide tailored support for organizers, and expand global marketing activities, including operating overseas promotion centers and hosting business consultation sessions.
Ki Yon Kil, president and CEO of the Seoul Tourism Organization, said: “Seoul’s top ranking in Asia for UIA-listed international conferences proves the city’s competitive edge on the global stage. It is a testament to our relentless efforts and strategic marketing to grow Seoul’s MICE industry. We will continue to develop innovative content and initiatives to solidify Seoul’s position as the world’s leading MICE destination.”