A leading congress destination - July 23, 2026
The Netherlands ranks ninth among the world's leading international congress destinations in the ICCA Ranking 2025, maintaining its position in the global top ten despite a slight drop compared to previous years. At the same time, the latest ranking shows that the number of international association meetings worldwide continues to grow. What do these figures reveal about the Netherlands' position, and which developments matter most for the meetings industry?
The Netherlands maintains a strong top-ten position
In the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Ranking 2025, the Netherlands is ranked ninth worldwide. This represents a one-place decline compared with the 2022–2024 rankings, when the country held eighth position. Portugal has moved up to eighth place, contributing to this shift. Despite this small change, the Netherlands continues to be recognised as one of the world's leading destinations for international association meetings.
The ICCA ranking is based on international association meetings that meet specific criteria, including a minimum number of participants and rotation between at least three countries. As such, it is widely regarded as a key benchmark for the global competitiveness of congress destinations.
Global congress market continues to grow
Worldwide, the number of qualifying international congresses increased again in 2025. ICCA recorded 12,438 meetings, continuing the upward trend that began after the industry's recovery in 2022. Although growth continues, the total number of meetings has not yet returned to pre-2020 levels.
The United States remains the world's leading congress destination, followed by Italy and Germany. Germany entered the top three this year, moving Spain to fourth place.
Dutch cities perform well
Dutch cities continue to achieve strong results in the global city rankings. Amsterdam shares 20th place worldwide in 2025, a slight decline compared with the previous year. Rotterdam and Utrecht both remain in the global top 100, while The Hague, Leiden, Maastricht, Delft, Eindhoven and Groningen are all ranked within the top 200. This broad representation across a relatively small country highlights the strength of the Netherlands as a congress destination, with multiple cities successfully attracting and hosting international association meetings.
Congresses create lasting value
The impact of international congresses extends well beyond their economic contribution. They stimulate knowledge exchange, foster innovation and help attract international talent. Congresses also strengthen key sectors such as healthcare, technology and sustainability, supporting long-term societal and economic priorities.
Together with its partners, NBTC remains committed to strengthening the Netherlands' international position as a leading congress destination by attracting events that align with the country's strategic strengths and societal ambitions.