Lyon stands in second place in the prestigious 2021 ranking by the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association), behind Paris, a position it has held for four years in a row. A major event in the world of business tourism, this global honours list rewards destinations that achieve the best performance in hosting international association meetings.

Publication date : 11/07/2022

By coming second, behind Paris, among 46 French destinations, for the fourth year running, Lyon has maintained its status as a major city for congresses and conventions on the international stage. We are honoured by this ranking, which shows once again that Lyon’s resilient tourism model makes it an attractive destination, despite the international crisis that has hit the business tourism sector,” enthuses Hélène Dromain, Vice-President of Greater Lyon in charge of International and European Cooperation and Tourism.  

Lyon reaches 18th position in Europe

The surprise this year is the amazing progress that Lyon has made internationally, ranking 23rd in the world in 2021 (moving up 18 places from the previous ranking).

An excellent result,” says Robert Revat, President of ONLYLYON Tourism and Conventions, “which is a reflection of the hard work put in by the Convention Bureau’s teams on the ground, as well as the amazing efforts made by local tourism service providers throughout the metropolitan area to meet business tourism challenges.”

Thanks to the collaboration of project initiators, university professors, scientists and doctors, among others, the destination of Lyon has generated a great deal of positive energy and shown its desire to host ever more international gatherings.

  • 2nd place at national level: Lyon came behind Paris and ahead of Marseille, Nice and Lille
  • 18th place at European level: Lyon came ahead of cities like Oslo, Geneva and Manchester
  • 23th at world level: Lyon came ahead Melbourne, Tokyo and New York 

*ICCA only counts international association meetings that attract 50 or more participants, with at least 45% from overseas, and have already been held in at least three countries.

Further information on ICCA

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