3 x 3 Reasons for your next business destination
Three cities with business appeal
Vienna, Brussels, Barcelona. Three top destinations for meetings and events in 2023, according to our data. Here is a breakdown of three key indicators for planning a memorable business trip: infrastructure, facilities and cultural richness. Because organizing business meetings and events is a profession in itself – what destination can meet all your needs?
In the Heart of Europe | Hyper Modern and Historically Rooted | Viennese Coffee & Pastries
Vienna
A global business hub that connects the East and West of Europe
Vienna is no stranger to the international business traveler. As home to numerous international organizations, including the United Nations (UN) and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), it is a significant center for global diplomacy and business activities. It is a business-friendly environment with a stable political and economic climate.
Excellent infrastructure: Vienna has an efficient public transportation system and a well-developed road and rail network. This includes an international airport 18 km from the city center. A few years ago, Vienna expanded both its train station and airport. The latter, VIE, added two new airport terminals. Most of the city's public transportation is operated under the name 'Wiener Linien', which still has an honesty system without ticket barriers – isn't that a telling characteristic?
Great facilities: Vienna is renowned for its convention and event facilities. From the largest, five-story Austria Center Vienna (ACV) with state-of-the-art technology to the prestigious Hofburg Vienna – a palace with actual ballrooms – there is something for everyone. The city has hotels with modern meeting facilities of various sizes and types.
Vienna is hosts to many United Nations (UN) events on topics such as space exploration, human rights and sustainable development, and the Vienna Energy Forum.
Cultural richness: Vienna is renowned for its rich history, architecture and cultural heritage. The MuseumsQuartier houses 60 cultural institutions in one location. The renowned Vienna Opera presents 60 operas and ballets each year, never repeating more than two nights in a row. Over the past 30 years, Vienna has also seen an upswing in contemporary architecture, with highlights such as Campus Wu and Haas House, with shops, a bar, restaurant and hotel.
Brussels
The capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union
Brussels is an important center for international trade and investment. 1,700 international companies are based here, spanning industries as diverse as finance, technology, healthcare and logistics. There are also numerous start-ups and innovation hubs – in fintech, but also in sustainability and social impact. Being organized and on time are highly valued qualities in Brussels.
Excellent infrastructure: Brussels is easily accessible from key European cities. It has an excellent transport infrastructure with the modern Zaventum airport and a well-connected rail network. The airport train station has up to six trains per hour to and from Brussels. You can be in the city center in 15 minutes.
Great facilities: Brussels has modern conference and meeting facilities such as the SQUARE convention center, which hosts many international conferences and exhibitions. The Regus Brussels Airport Terminal has a meeting center, but right in the historic heart of the city is Tour & Taxis, a venue rental company based in the former train station. With over 550,000 overnight stays per month, the Brussels hotel industry attracts tourists and business travelers alike. Brussels is exceptionally well prepared as a MICE destination.
Some of Brussels larger events are the Sustainable Innovation Forum, European Business Summit, European Data Protection & Privacy Conference. The 2023 FIATA World Congress, the largest in logistics, will be held in Brussels.
Cultural richness: Brussels offers a rich cultural experience with historic architecture, museums and art galleries. The Grand Place is often cited as one of the most beautiful squares in the world. Its main attraction is the 15th century Gothic City Hall. Brussels is also the birthplace of many iconic cartoonists, leading the city to commission over 50 comic book murals scattered across its neighborhoods.
Europe’s Political Capital | Financial hub | Waffles, Chocolate, Mussels & Craft Beer
City Beach | Thriving Business Ecosystem | Mediterranean Seafood & Tapas
Barcelona
The cosmopolitan capital of Catalonia in Spain
In addition to its Mediterranean vibe, the city has a thriving business ecosystem with a diverse range of industries, including technology, innovation, finance, fashion, tourism, and more. Barcelona is home to numerous start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and multinational corporations. Ample opportunities for business collaboration, networking and partnerships.
Excellent infrastructure: The city has an international airport, El Prat (BCN), 12 km southwest of the city center. It has high-speed train connections and a well-developed road network. The subway, buses, trains of the FGC (Catalan commuter trains) and trams in Barcelona are part of the same transportation network.
Great facilities: Barcelona has modern hotels and venues well equipped for business meetings, conferences and events of various sizes. A key venue is the Fira Barcelona Gran Via, designed by Pritzker Architecture Prize winner Toyo Ito. With 45 restaurants, it is one of the largest convention centers in Europe and hosts many large international conventions. The Gran Via is located 20 minutes from El Prat airport, "en route" to the city of Barcelona.
Barcelona hosts quite a few impactful events by the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), as well as the Mobile World Congress.
Cultural richness: Barcelona is known for its rich cultural heritage, such as the world-renowned Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, architecture by Gaudi. The city offers a great mix of history, art, culture and gastronomy for business travelers to explore during leisure time or networking events.
Let us help you plan your next offsite itinerary
With our Meetings & Events, the Lufthansa Groups airlines can help you arrange cost-effective individual travel for your delegates, whether you are organizing an international trade show, attending a European congress, a smaller company meeting or a large-scale international event.