Salzburg, 8 May 2025: After Vienna, Salzburg is one of the most popular destinations for congresses, conferences and events in Austria. In 2024, around 6,100 events with almost 357,000 participants took place in the province. This generated over 621,000 overnight stays. The recently published figures* once again underline the importance of the meetings segment for tourism in Salzburg. Downstream industries also benefit, as the expenditure per conference guest is between € 450 and € 550 per day.
The federal state of Salzburg was able to further expand its position as a sought-after meeting destination in 2024. Compared to 2023, the number of events rose by 8.1% and the number of participants by 21.5%. The strongest increase was in overnight stays, which rose by 30%. This can be attributed to the fact that many international congresses took place in Salzburg in 2024. The average number of overnight stays for these was 4.95 per person - a peak value compared to the rest of Austria.
Salzburg's increasing attractiveness as a meeting destination is the result of a combination of various location factors. ‘Thanks to its geographical location, the region is ideal for bringing people together from all over the world. Salzburg also impresses with its compact distances, excellent infrastructure and diverse event venues - from historic locations to modern congress centres,’ emphasises Heidi Strobl, Managing Director of the Salzburg Convention Bureau (SCB). Together with her team, she is responsible for organising national and international events.
Congress and conference guests generate significant added value
The meetings segment includes conferences, events and congresses that last longer than one day and have more than 15 participants. Vienna takes the top spot in the ranking of Austrian congress and conference destinations. Salzburg is right behind it. Every 4th congress is now organised in Salzburg. The city recently received the go-ahead to host an international event. The 16th World Congress of Paediatric Dermatology, which is expected to attract over 4,000 experts, will take place in the city of Mozart in spring 2029. ‘We took part in the bidding process together with the Salzburg regional hospitals and were able to beat Singapore, Calgary and Prague,’ says a delighted SCB Managing Director Strobl.
Local service providers and businesses also benefit from the increase in congress and conference tourism. Whether it's an international conference or a company meeting - business travellers arriving for congresses and meetings provide a strong boost to the local economy. Each individual guest spends an average of between €450 and €550 per day on accommodation, catering, mobility and other services.
Events around the city and state of Salzburg
Congress and conference tourism not only revitalises the city, meetings are also held in the province of Salzburg. Around half of the approximately 6,100 events took place in the mountain regions and Flachgau. International congresses in particular are predominantly held in urban areas, with the meetings segment accounting for more than 13% of all tourist overnight stays in the city of Salzburg last year. Sustainability is also playing an increasingly important role in the conference sector. Numerous events were certified as ‘Green Meetings’ in 2024 - a sign of the growing awareness of environmental responsibility and resource conservation.
Salzburg Convention Bureau
Salzburg Convention Bureau (SCB) has represented Salzburg as an event destination for over 20 years, its core task being the acquisition of national and international events. SCB experts do a lot of travelling to this end, taking part in worldwide tenders for congresses and conferences – and pitching Salzburg as a venue. Another key field of activity is looking after meeting planners. SCB is the official point of contact for conferences, congresses, incentives and events to be held in the city and province of Salzburg. The expert team-of-four supports this cause with relevant information, creative ideas and all the right contacts. Regional, national and international organisers receive good neutral advice – free of charge. Centrally located venues are arranged for large congresses, surprising and hidden facilities chosen for side events – while the team makes contact with catering companies, event agencies, hotels and other relevant service providers – drawing on a pool of around 70 partners from the entire province of Salzburg. SCB is organised as an association, offering its advice and services independently and without any costs.
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