News: ICCA Ranking: Buenos Aires Sets Record and Remains Most Chosen Venue in the Americas

(Source: Buenos Aires Ciudad)

The city hosted 131 major international events in 2017, 28 more than in the previous year, coming in 11th place in the world according to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) ranking. Business tourism generated US$ 533 million in the Argentine capital last year.

Meetings tourism saw a record year in Buenos Aires in 2017 with 131 major international events according to the ICCA ranking, an important reference point for the sector. It's the highest number of events the city has hosted since ICCA began publishing its annual ranking and an increase from 103 events in 2016 and 82 events in 2015.

It means that once again Buenos Aires was the most chosen city in the Americas to host international events, coming well above Montreal (96 events), Lima (74), Toronto (73) and Mexico City (67). Outside of the region, the city equalled its 2009 ranking of 11th place in the world, on the edge of a top ten led by Barcelona (195 events), Paris (190) and Vienna (190).

In 2017, 488,318 international visitors travelled to Buenos Aires for the purpose of business, including attending conventions and congresses, and generated US$ 533 million for the city. MICE tourism is a priority for the city tourist board.

Gonzalo Robredo, president of the Buenos Aires City Tourist Board, said: “This is a historic record, but more than anything, another step forward in our international positioning. We're working on a marketing plan alongside the private sector with the aim of consolidating this position of leadership in the Americas and entering the top ten venues internationally in 2019."

Fernando Straface, general secretary for international relations at the Buenos Aires city government said: "Buenos Aires is gaining unprecedented international visibility, confirming its attraction as a global city and the venue for large events. Such meetings create an economic, social and cultural legacy that benefits all residents."

Claudio Dowdall, general director of La Rural, a member of the consortium that runs the Buenos Aires Exhibition and Conventions Center, said: “This is excellent news for MICE tourism. We're confident that the CEC will contribute to the continued development of this segment and the consolidation of the city's position as a destination of excellence for the sector.”