Friday, May 23, 2025

Czechia has solidified its position as one of the world’s premier congress destinations, with the capital city Prague ranking impressively among the global leaders in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector.

According to the latest International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) rankings, Czechia stands 21st worldwide for hosting international association meetings, while Prague has risen to 5th place globally and 4th in Europe as a preferred city for congress tourism. This remarkable achievement highlights the country’s growing importance in the international events arena and underscores the robust development of its convention infrastructure.

Czechia’s Rising Status in the Global MICE Industry

Czechia’s strategic emphasis on expanding and decentralizing its MICE offerings has been reflected in ICCA’s recent data, which confirms the country’s increased visibility and appeal among international event organizers. Prague’s ascent to a top-five global position is particularly notable, indicating its strong capacity to attract large-scale, recurring international conferences. This rise is supported by the Czech government’s consistent investments in infrastructure and event services as part of its national tourism and economic diversification strategies, aligned with the Ministry of Regional Development’s mission to promote Czechia as a sustainable and innovative destination for business tourism.

In addition to Prague, other Czech cities are gaining traction in the global congress market. Brno, the country’s second-largest city, surged over 30 places to 112th position in ICCA’s global city rankings, signaling a significant decentralization trend. This trend highlights the growing appeal of regional destinations and the country’s effort to diversify event hosting beyond the capital.

Decentralization Trend Drives Regional Opportunities

The Czech government’s regional development policies are fostering the growth of MICE infrastructure outside Prague, enabling cities such as Brno, Olomouc, and others to cater effectively to the specific needs of congress and incentive event organizers. This regional diversification is supported by enhanced transport connectivity, modern venues, and local hospitality services, reflecting the country’s commitment to balanced economic development.

According to František Reismüller, Director of the Czech Tourism Authority (CzechTourism), “Congress tourism is crucial for Czechia. It supports the local economy, creates opportunities for entrepreneurs, increases demand for specialized services, and boosts employment. Moreover, it helps build the brand of Czechia as an attractive destination for business and innovation.” These sentiments emphasize the government’s recognition of congress tourism as a vital sector for sustainable economic growth.

Prague: A Hub for Technology and Medical Conferences

Prague’s success is not only measured by quantity but also by the quality and specialization of its events. The city ranks 3rd globally for technology-focused conferences and remains among the top five worldwide for medical conferences. This specialization enhances Prague’s profile as a center for innovation and international cooperation in scientific and technical fields.

The Czech Convention Bureau, an arm of the Ministry of Regional Development tasked with promoting Czechia’s MICE sector, stresses the importance of aligning event hosting strategies with global trends. Tereza Hofmanová, Director of Product Management, Research, and B2B Cooperation at the bureau, notes, “Destinations today are evaluated not only on infrastructure but also on expertise, innovation capacity, and academic collaboration. Partnerships now focus on shared values and knowledge exchange.” These insights highlight the shift towards knowledge-driven events that foster long-term international networks.

Sustainability: A Key Factor in MICE Competitiveness

Sustainability is increasingly becoming a prerequisite for success in the global MICE market. Czechia’s convention destinations are integrating eco-friendly practices into their operations, reflecting a broader European trend towards responsible tourism and event management. The Strategic Alliance of European National Convention Bureaus, of which the Czech Convention Bureau is a founding member, promotes sustainability through initiatives like the Sustainability Hub for Events (SHE).

Sustainable event practices in Czechia include reducing carbon footprints, waste management, and leveraging local suppliers to minimize environmental impact. Tereza Hofmanová adds, “Successful destinations today offer partnerships that go beyond providing venues — they focus on long-term, responsible collaborations that align with sustainability principles.

Data Highlights: Growing MICE Events Across Czechia

The Czech Statistical Office reports that nearly 12,000 conferences were held across the country in 2024, attracting approximately 1.2 million participants. Prague accounted for 35.4% of these events, confirming its role as the main congress hub. The South Moravian Region, which includes Brno, hosted over 2,200 events, while regions such as Vysočina, Olomouc, and Central Bohemia each welcomed around 900 events.

Most conferences were one-day affairs, representing 70% of total events. Moreover, about 67% of these were hosted in four-star hotels, which also accommodated the majority of delegates. There is also a significant rise in smaller meetings with fewer than 50 participants, mainly comprising corporate and business gatherings.

Petr Janeček, head of the Institute of Tourism at CzechTourism, points out, “MICE events generally occur outside peak tourist seasons — mainly in May, June, September, and November — helping stabilize tourism flows and supporting year-round economic activity.” This seasonal balance is vital for sustainable tourism development in the country.

The Czech Convention Bureau’s Role in European MICE Collaboration

The Czech Convention Bureau actively engages in European initiatives aimed at harmonizing and advancing sustainable event management across national borders. Celebrating 11 years of collaboration through the Strategic Alliance of European National Convention Bureaus, the bureau shares expertise and supports innovation via platforms like the SHE Sustainability Hub.

These alliances facilitate knowledge exchange and best practice sharing among European destinations, strengthening Czechia’s MICE sector’s ability to meet international standards and client expectations.

MICE Tourism: Driving Innovation and International Cooperation

Beyond its economic benefits, the MICE sector in Czechia acts as a catalyst for innovation and international partnerships. The ICCA data underscores Czechia’s strengths in providing advanced technical facilities, professional event management, and an inclusive approach to regional participation.

This multifaceted role of MICE tourism aligns with the country’s strategic goals under the Ministry of Regional Development to promote Czechia as a vibrant, sustainable, and innovation-driven destination for business and leisure visitors alike.

Conclusion

Czechia’s impressive climb in the ICCA rankings and the growing prominence of cities like Prague and Brno underscore the country’s dynamic evolution as a global congress destination.

Supported by government initiatives focused on infrastructure development, regional decentralization, and sustainability, Czechia is well-positioned to capitalize on rising demand for professional, innovative, and responsible MICE events.

Through collaboration, innovation, and environmental stewardship, Czechia continues to strengthen its brand as a leading European and global destination for congresses, business meetings, and incentive events — setting a new standard for the future of tourism.