The Portuguese capital came ahead of Paris, which recorded 174 events, and Barcelona, with 166.
The result represents an increase compared to 2024, the year in which Lisbon had registered 153 congresses and association meetings eligible for the ICCA ranking, considered one of the main world references in the international association market.
Of the 356 congresses counted for the ranking held in Portugal in 2025, more than half took place in Lisbon, in the MICE segment (congresses, meetings, incentives and exhibitions).
According to the Lisbon Tourism Association, the congresses and association meetings held in the city were mainly concentrated in the medical, technological and scientific areas.
These events attracted more than 100,000 international participants and had an impact on the city’s economy throughout the year, with an average expenditure per participant of €3,000, according to the same entity.
Quoted in a statement, the Director-General of the Lisbon Tourism Association, António Valle, stated that international association congresses have “a strategic impact on the local economy and on Lisbon’s international projection.”
“This recognition reinforces the capacity of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area to attract investment and knowledge, supported by infrastructure prepared to host events of different sizes, a qualified hotel and gastronomic offer, and strong international air connectivity,” he added.
The ranking includes only international association congresses and meetings that meet eligibility criteria, including periodic occurrence, rotation among at least three countries or territories, and a minimum of 50 in-person participants.
Corporate events, trade fairs, incentive trips, concerts, festivals, sporting events, and governmental or political meetings are not included.