Lisbon is emerging as one of Europe’s top MICE destinations, due to its convenient location for both European and North American companies and its modern, architecturally stunning venues.

According to a recent report in traveldailynews.com, in 2008 and 2009, the city held the eight position in the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA)’s European ranking and expects to jump higher in the 2010 ranking.

In particular, business travellers have recognised Lisbon’s value to the MICE market with its modern infrastructures, good value, and proximity to the rest of Europe. In addition to the mild climate, the region has a welcoming population and great food.

Miguel Perestrello, Director, Portuguese National Tourist Office, said, “Portugal, and Lisbon in particular, is blessed with a mild year-round climate, plenty of sunshine, excellent food and wine and some of the finest congress and accommodation facilities anywhere in the world. It has all the right ingredients for a successful conference, meeting or incentive programme.” Lisbon has been chosen to host many prestigious events in recent years, further supporting the city’s reputation as an international business destination. The MICE industry accounts for 44 percent of tourism income in the capital city.

Recent large-scale business events held in Lisbon this year included the International Road Federation World Road Meeting and Fibre to the Home Council Europe Conference and the, both with 3,000 attendees. In the coming years, Lisbon will host the Annual Convention of Rotary International, with 40,000 attendees, and the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, with 18,000 attendees. The Atlantic Pavilion is Lisbon’s premier venue, as an exquisite high-tech space in the Park of Nations that can accommodate 16,000 people. The facility also offers an interior press centre and additional Tejo Hall.

Lisbon is part of Portugal’s larger MICE offering, which includes highly-ranked Porto, Algarve and Madeira. Portugal has long been regarded as a safe and reliable destination by MICE organisers and the country was ranked 9 in Europe and 15 in the world in 2008 by the European ICCA.

The Portuguese National Tourist Office runs an online database that helps consumers find tour operators with programmes to Portugal. Since 2003, the database has included private and public contacts for familiarisation trips, events and sending news about facilities and products in Portugal. This year the Tourist Office welcomes MICE organisers in the UK and suppliers in Portugal to register and network using the online database.

In:  Travel Website