Prague successfully improved its position in the congress destinations ranking for the second consecutive year, especially thanks to the strategic steps taken by Prague Convention Bureau and its close cooperation with the management of City of Prague and better statistical data collection.
PRAGUE – Prague became the 11th world’s congress destination and 10th European congress city in 2012 and achieved the best position in congress field for the last six years. Statistics for 2012 have been published recently by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and according to them; Prague Convention Bureau is just a step away from achieving its ambitious goals – Prague as a top ten world’s congress destination by 2015 and top five by 2020.
Prague successfully improved its position in the congress destinations ranking for the second consecutive year, especially thanks to the strategic steps taken by Prague Convention Bureau and its close cooperation with the management of City of Prague and better statistical data collection. With 98 events in 2011 Prague moved from 19th to 14th position and with 112 events in 2012 to 11th position.
“Even though we expected some improvement, the results of ICCA statistics have exceeded our expectations. We are really happy that first successes have been observed as the result of hard work of our organization and our members, as well as the representatives of City of Prague in attracting congresses to Prague. Together we managed to get Prague among the top 11 world’s congress destinations and to the top ten destinations in Europe. This is the proof that the city has much to offer to congress organizers and has a great potential for future development. I am convinced that if we set up our steps in the right direction, the city will continue to rise in the rankings”, says Lenka Žlebková, director of Prague Convention Bureau.
The fact that Prague as a congress and convention destination has experienced a record growth in recent years has also been confirmed by the data provided by the Czech Statistical Office for the last 4 years that declare 20 % increase in the number of events and even 40 % increase in the number of participants – to almost 570,000 participants in accommodation establishments (ICCA statistics take into account only international association meetings which take place on a regular basis, rotate between a minimum of three countries and attract a minimum of 50 participants). However, estimated total number of participants of all events held in Prague last year is much higher – up to 800,000.
Congress industry brings Prague the total turnover of more than 20 billion CZK per year – a congress delegate usually spends in Prague about 330 – 380 EUR, which is up to three times more than an ordinary tourist. In addition to this undeniable economic contribution it has also an invaluable impact on the development of industry, trade, research and innovation, growth of regional headquarters of international associations, inflow of foreign investments and overall development of competitiveness of the Czech Republic. Last but not least, it improves the overall prestige and position of the city in the international field.
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