Vienna: 2014 second-best congress year ever

Vienna reported its second-best congress result ever for 2014: compared to 2013, there were increases in events, as well as in the resulting overnights and value-added, the final result just falling
short of 2012's record.
"In 2014 Vienna achieved significant increases in all key congress indicators compared to the previous year," reports Norbert Kettner, Director of the Vienna Tourist Board. "The number of conferences and corporate events rose by 6% to 3,582, a new record level. The resulting overnights were also up 6%, so the total of 1,490,695 was only slightly below the previous record in 2012.

Austrian value-added induced by Vienna's meetings industry increased 8% to 898.9 million euros, also the second-best figure after 2012." In 2014 the Vienna conference industry therefore contributed 11% to Vienna's total volume of overnights of 13.5 million. 17,000 year-round jobs were secured throughout Austria.

According to the statistics of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), for years now Vienna has been one of the top three congress metropolises worldwide. "This success is attributable to many factors," explains Kettner. "Meetings in the Austrian capital are optimally supported by urban and academic facilities, and with 36 licensed certification agencies for Green Meetings, Vienna has already demonstrated vision with respect to environmental sustainability.

The city's growing importance as a central European hub is also proving a valuable asset. New upmarket hotel accommodation and the creation of a new district around the Central Station have provided further impetus. Vienna currently has approximately 64,000 beds and is served by direct flights from about 170 destinations worldwide. The Vienna Tourism Strategy 2020 aims for another 20 direct connections from major cities worldwide – 72% of congress delegates arrive by plane.