It should be borne in mind that in 2010, when the Seville Convention Bureau was established, the city was ranked 214th in the world.
The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has just released its annual statistics and rankings for 2012, in which Spain has defended its 3rd place and Seville has made it into the top 100 international meetings destinations.
ICCA’s International Association Meetings Tables are published every year. To be included, meetings must be held on a regular basis, have at least 50 delegates, and rotate between at least three countries.
It is important to stress that in 2012, when the Seville Convention Bureau (SCCB) was established, the city was ranked 214th in the world, working its way up to 134th place in 2011, before occupying 100th place in 2012.
ICCA imposes strict controls and checks when collecting data, which makes it necessary to provide a large amount of information, for which reason the participation of the companies belonging to SCCB which organize and manage international congresses is essential. And although some congresses are not accounted for, the convention bureau has gone a long way to heightening awareness about the importance of providing accurate data.
Seville’s swift consolidation as an international congress destination highlights the excellent work of the convention bureau’s private and public sector partners, as well as helping to win future bids for major events.
In 2012, SCCB generated business to the tune of €65 million. This year, up until May, the convention bureau’s activity has already generated €30 million, which despite the financial situation and the lack of direct flights – both factors that have had an important impact on attracting business – show that the Sevilla Meetings Experience brand promoted by SCCB is well on the way to consolidating the city as a top meeting destination.
The table below shows the ranking of Spanish cities hosting international events:
Spanish ICCA Rank 2012Spanish ICCA Rank 2011ComparisonWorld RankEuropean RankWorld RankEuropean RankNo. EventsWorld RankEuropean RankCityNo. MeetingsRankNo. MeetingsRankMadrid16444130653421Barcelona15455150334-2-2Valencia49432339533010107Seville2210054161327463220Granada1911761161327431513Bilbao17134711910961-2-25-10Cadiz1416889------Palma de Mallorca1416889823413166642Tarragona7286144------San Sebastian63191597273145-1-46-14Santander6319159------Malaga53631819212110-4-151-71Salamanca5363181------Santiago de Compostela5363181------
