By Sarah Wild
Vienna Vienna has risen four places to become the number one conference destination in the world, according to statistics from the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).
The body's 2003 report on the International Association and Corporate Meetings Market reveals that the Austrian capital has replaced Barcelona, which topped last year's list. The report refers to association business and ranks cities by number of meetings organised in 2003.
Barcelona now sits at number two in the league table, although Spain as a whole is the second most popular country for association meetings, behind the US.
For corporate meetings, Hong Kong is the top country, with the UK in second place.
Vienna's new ranking has been welcomed by Oskar Hinteregger, director (UK and Ireland) of the Austrian National Tourist Office, who attributed the result to investment in Vienna's infrastructure.
"We are delighted to claim the top spot," he said. "We've been within the top five for a few years now. The Austria Center is one of Europe's most hi-tech venues, and the Vienna Messe has a new conference hall that has been very well received by organisers. I also think Vienna offers value for money."
London fell seven places in the list of conference destinations to 18, a fall of six places from 2002.
Edinburgh attracted the highest number of meetings of any UK city.
Vienna takes top spot in ICCA ranking
Vienna has risen four places to become the number one conference destination in the world, according to statistics from the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).
