London has again been named the top city in EMEA for corporate events in Amex GBT's
Meetings & Events Forecast Top Meetings Destinations study.
But while London holds strong as the top destination, the report also reveals
significant shifts in the EMEA region, with Madrid leapfrogging Barcelona to secure second place.
As businesses across Europe seek cost-effective and
accessible venues, cities like Berlin are climbing the ranks, pushing Amsterdam
out of the top five.
EMEA’s Top 5 Destinations for 2025:
- London
- Madrid
- Barcelona
- Paris
- Berlin
The 2025 Meetings & Events Forecast, set to be released on Tuesday 8 October, sheds light on
evolving business travel preferences across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Madrid’s meteoric rise - Offering better value and central connections, Madrid has outpaced
Barcelona in the rankings for the first time. Competitive hotel rates and
its central role as a Latin American gateway have propelled Madrid to
second place.
Berlin on the up - Berlin is quickly becoming a sought-after destination for budget-conscious
event planners, offering excellent venues without the price tag of more
established cities like Amsterdam. The cities vibrant culture is also
cited as a key reason for its ascent into the top meetings destinations
rankings for 2025.
Sustainability on the
agenda - As sustainability becomes a key focus, London, Paris, and other
major cities are leading the way with greener venues, electric vehicle
options, and eco-friendly policies that align with corporate ESG goals.
Milton Rivera, global vice president, the Experience
Studio, Amex GBT, said: “In 2025, EMEA’s meetings and events landscape
will be defined by the search for value, accessibility, and innovation. With
Madrid and Berlin emerging as exciting alternatives, and cities like London
retaining their global appeal, this forecast offers valuable insights for
businesses planning next year’s events.”
Other highlights from the forecast:
- North America: New York
surpasses Las Vegas as the go-to destination for corporate meetings.
- LATAM: Cancun soars to
the top, driven by its accessibility and all-inclusive venues, reflecting
the demand for leisure-oriented venues that offer comprehensive event
packages.
- APAC: Singapore and
Tokyo hold steady, while Hong Kong rises in the ranks.
The
list was compiled by an internal survey of 172 Amex GBT
meetings professionals who selected their top
meetings and events destinations (by region) based on the following criteria:
Ease of travel and transportation for attendees; Cost-effectiveness for both
organisers and participants; Physical safety and security; Recent public
investments and local attractions; Ability to deliver a robust attendee
experience because of standout attributes (such as modernised conference facilities,
public amenities and cultural experiences, etc.); and ESG/Sustainability
attributes.
