Lisbon was voted Europe’s Best MICE Tourism Destination 2023 at the 4th edition of the World MICE Awards in Berlin. Tourism had never done so well in Portugal until this year, with revenues increasing by 37% compared to 2019.
What is MICE tourism?
This concept stands for business tourism and encompasses the field of tourism for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.
This type of tourism is not dependent on the season of the year, events can be organised at any time of the year. It has a significant economic impact, with business travellers spending up to €206 per day. Therefore, it generates 30% more revenue than leisure tourism, which spends up to €146 per day. MICE tourism generates many job opportunities due to the organisation and execution of events.
Within MICE tourism there are various types of professional events such as trade fairs, conventions, exhibitions, congresses, conferences or seminars and incentive trips.
MICE tourism in Lisbon
Never before has tourism done so well for Portugal, 2023 achieved revenues of €25 billion. This was up 37% compared to 2019 which was the best year, prior to the pandemic. The government considers that 2023 has meant a structural change, moving towards having a tourism with more purchasing power. MICE tourism plays an important role in Lisbon’s economy by contributing to tourism and economic development.
In 2022 and 2023, the Lisbon Tourism Association invested more than 1 million euros in attracting and supporting events. The city was voted Best MICE Destination in Europe 2023 at the 4th edition of the World MICE Awards in Berlin. At the same event, the 31st European edition of the World Travel Awards was held and Lisbon was chosen as Europe’s Best City Destination 2024. Both the World MICE Awards and the World Travel Awards reward the excellence achieved by entities related to the tourism industry. These awards were granted due to its privileged location, modern and versatile infrastructure, excellent accessibility and culinary and cultural experiences.
There are more than 200 companies whose aim is to promote Lisbon as a privileged location for MICE tourism and events.
Among the most prominent venues for MICE events are:
The Lisbon International Fair (FIL), Lisbon Congress Centre (CCL), Belém Cultural Centre, Castillo de San Jorge and the Carmo Convent.
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