London named Europe’s top meetings destination

London has retained its position as the most popular meetings and events destination in Europe while a Madrid hotel has been named the top venue.

The annual report from meetings and events tech provider Cvent is based on sourcing activity through the Cvent Supplier Network and found the top ten destinations “remained consistent year-over-year”.

Barcelona was the second-most popular meetings destinations while Madrid moved up a place to third and Berlin climbed two positions to fourth. Lisbon was fifth, with Amsterdam, Paris, Rome, Frankfurt and Munich completing the top ten.

“We’re delighted to once again lead the Cvent Top Meeting Destinations in Europe list,” said Fiona Plumpton, head of London Convention Bureau services. “London saw significant growth last year with 30 new hotels. This year, we’re on track to nearly double that number. We’re particularly excited about the upcoming transformation of ExCeL London, with a £200 million investment breathing new life into the venue.”

The Meliá Castilla in Madrid was declared the top meetings hotel in Europe, climbing three spaces since Cvent’s 2023 report. The Hilton Prague was second and NH Collection Madrid Eurobuilding was third. Madrid’s Marriott Auditorium Hotel & Conference Centre and the Lisbon Marriott Hotel completed the top five.

Elsewhere, Orlando, Las Vegas and Nashville were the top meetings and events destinations in North America; Dubai, Istanbul and Abu Dhabi took top spots in the Middle East and Africa; and Singapore, Bangkok and Sydney were the most popular destinations in Asia Pacific.