The ICCA Ranking 2023, revealed during the IMEX business fair in Frankfurt, has made Bologna climb the ranking of the best conference destinations in the world. This important milestone adds to the already numerous attractions that make the capital of Emilia-Romagna an unmissable destination for cultural and entrepreneurial tourism.
Well connected thanks to new air routes and convenient and fast mobility services, safer thanks to the application of the “Città 30” model, and open to innovation with the project of its own vertiport, Bologna is a lively and fascinating urban center which allows modernity and tradition to coexist in harmony.
The recent success achieved withICCA Ranking 2023which placed it at 47th place in the world top 50 of the best conference cities in the world, and in top 30 in Europe, it is only the latest of the attestations that highlight the merits of this Italian destination.
Italy excels in conference tourism and Bologna stands out
2023 was the year that marked an important turning point for both Italy and Bologna in the field of conference tourism.
Our country, in fact, starting from fifth position, managed to quickly reach first place in the European ranking for the number of associative congresses, well 553and the second place in the world rankingsimmediately after the USA.
Bologna, on the other hand, with its own 43 international events of great success and quality, it has surpassed Munich and Zurich in the ICCA ranking, becoming part, together with Rome and Milan, in the list of destinations of excellence for conference tourism.
At a national level, the country’s rise is linked to an ambitious project born during the years of the pandemic, called “Italian Knowledge Leaders” carried forward by Convention Bureau Italy. The initiative aims to enhance Italian intellectual capitalshining a spotlight on excellence in the scientific, academic, artistic, cultural and medical sectors.
Carlotta Ferraripresident of the Convention Bureau Italia, stated: «For years Italy has remained between fifth and sixth position due to self-management of the conference offer. However, recent successes are not only the result of the IKL project, but also of a constant commitment to valorising and coordinating the sector. We have witnessed a strengthening of Italian destinations, which have acquired greater awareness and have evolved in the presentation of the offer.»
Bologna enters the top 50 of the best conference destinations in the world
Bologna, at a local level, has created a perfect synergy between different city realities and has managed to make the most of its offices and geographical position to offer a broad package of highly attractive services for the entrepreneurial tourism sector.
In particular, the elements that contributed most to the valorisation of the Emilian capital were the “Bologna Welcomes Events”an incentive plan up to 500,000 euros a year of the Municipality of Bologna aimed at the conference sector, which has the objective of stimulate the organization of large events in the city. And the team’s commitment Bologna Convention Bureaupart of Bologna Welcome Foundationwhich managed to close successfully during the year 19 nominations and he received 400 requests for planning future events.
Finally, it is worth mentioning the numerous illustrious personalities who, becoming city ambassadors, managed to nominate Bologna as the venue for important international events during the year.
Over the years, Bologna has demonstrated its ability to exploit its characteristics in the best possible way to become a much-loved tourist destination and an ideal city in which to live.
The awards received in the business field are the spearhead of a constantly evolving urban center, which aims to become one smart cities green and innovative.
With the “Bologna Charter for the Environment”for example, drawn up on the occasion of the G7 in 2017, the Emilian capital has begun a journey to achieve ambitious objectives, including tenergy transitionsustainable use of land, protection of biodiversity and attention to air and water quality.
Even on a cultural level, the city preserves and allows you to discover a rich artistic heritage. This is demonstrated by its many nicknames, linked to the city’s excellence. For example, many call it “la Dotta” because it houses one of the oldest universities in Italy. By others, however, it is called “la Grassa” for its traditional regional cuisine that conquers everyone.
Its beauties are countless and, if you happen to organize a trip to this city, you cannot miss having an experience worth seeing. local to live an unforgettable experience.
Experience Bologna and its culture
Like many other Italian locations, the Emilian capital also retains traces of an important past, which continues to fascinate citizens and tourists.
First an Etruscan city, then a Gallic and finally a Roman one, over time Bologna has experienced periods of decline and above all prosperity thanks to the presence of seats of learning, papal power and a capable and active militia.
The place that most of all has symbolized local wealth over the centuries is the thirteenth century Piazza Maggioresurrounded by some of the most fascinating historic buildings of the city, namely the Palazzo dei Notai, the Palazzo del Podestà, the Basilica of San Petronio, the Palazzo d’Accursio and the Palazzo dei Banchi.
Also worth mentioning is Accursi Toweralso overlooking the square, which displays a magnificent mechanical clock that immediately attracts the eye.
Finally, you cannot get to know Bologna without exploring the porticoes that characterize the urban plan – 60 km in total – and which have made it the UNESCO City of Porticoes.
Experience Bologna and its gastronomy
Living well in a city also means appreciating its gastronomy, and the Bolognese culinary tradition is undoubtedly the master of flavour.
The most famous first courses of the Emilian capital are tortellini and lasagnatwo very different recipes that are capable of satisfying the palates of adults and children.
The Bolognese sauce makes the pasta even tastier, while a good wine from the Bolognese Hills it is an excellent accompaniment for a lunch with friends.
If during your visit you want to stop for a break or an aperitif, take the opportunity to taste the tasty dish mortadellamixed fried food Bolognese and, for dessert, a slice of Certosino.
Experience Bologna and its territory
The Emilian capital is an ideal place to live also thanks to the wonderful area that surrounds it.
From the Street of the Gods to the cycle paths along the Bolognese Hills, up to the La Rizza Oasis and the Cavaioni Park, the places surrounded by greenery are numerous and ideal for a solo or group trip out of town.
A city with many facets, Bologna is loved above all for its intimate atmosphere and its human-scale structure which, combined with cultural and business initiatives, make it one of the best cities in which to live.
Article Modified On:June 10, 2024
