As industry strengthens and expands, GDP shares top meetings and incentives destinations for 2024
Global DMC Partners (GDP), the largest global network of independent Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and specialized event service providers, has unveiled its 2024 Global Destination Index, highlighting the most popular meeting and incentive destinations around the world. The listing is based on leads and RFPs received for programs happening in 2024 across GDP’s worldwide DMC partners.
The Top 10 MICE Destinations for 2024 ranked as follows:
Top 10 U.S.
1. Chicago, IL
2. Washington, D.C.
3. New York, NY
4. Las Vegas, NV
5. Nashville, TN
6. Dallas, TX
7. Miami, FL
8. Orlando, FL
9. Austin, TX
10. San Diego, CA
Top 10 International
1. Paris, France
2. Barcelona, Spain
3. Amsterdam, Netherlands
4. London, England
5. Lisbon, Portugal
6. Athens, Greece
7. Madrid, Spain
8. Vienna, Austria
9. Rome, Italy
10. Berlin, Germany
“It’s interesting to see the new destinations that have made this year’s list, as well as the changing order in popularity of the top 10, particularly as our industry is a great indicator of the world’s economic strength and where the most business is being done,” said Global DMC Partners President and CEO Catherine Chaulet. “We’ve also seen an increased interest in secondary destinations with an uptick in leads for 2024 or 2025, as compared to prior years.”
“Our partners are sharing insights with us about the popularity of the French Riviera; for example, groups can land in Nice and within half an hour be in Monaco on one side and in Cannes on the other side. These three key cities offer great event infrastructure and amazing hotels, surrounded by picture-perfect villages, boutique hotels, and vineyards,” continued Chaulet.
“A partner in Spain shared the increased interest they’ve seen in cities such as Málaga, Sevilla and Valencia. With seasonal daily direct flights from New York, and the opening of stylish 4- and 5-star hotels in its charming city center, Málaga has risen to the top of the rankings for hosting small to medium-sized groups in Spain. As the Green European Capital 2024, Valencia is gaining recognition for its excellent value and versatility as an event destination, with competitively priced hotels and unique venues. And last, but not least, Sevilla stands out as one of Spain's premier MICE destinations for 2024, blending traditional charm with cutting-edge venues, ideal for events of any size, particularly large congresses and conferences.”
Additional top secondary destinations include:
● Japan
● Hawaii
● Costa Rica
● Saint Lucia
● Emilia-Romagna Region in Italy (Bologna, Parma and Modena)
● Greek Islands including Corfu, Aegina and Milos
● Midwestern U.S. cities such as Minneapolis, Kansas City and Louisville
# # #
About Global DMC Partners:
Global DMC Partners (GDP) is the largest worldwide network of independent destination management companies (DMCs) and specialized event service providers. Leveraging its exclusive partnerships, GDP provides a one-stop, global solution for total event success in more than 500 destinations worldwide. An experienced, on-the-ground international sales team centralizes meeting professionals’ event needs, from local DMC services to health and safety protocols, staffing, event technology, gifting, speakers and production. A fully dedicated GDP sales advisor ensures a singular standard of excellence from start to finish. For more information, please visit us online at www.globaldmcpartners.com.
Media contact:
Claire Kunzman
claire@anythingbutadvertising.com
407.227.8867
New Wellbeing programme unites a range of initiatives including Quiet Cabin, healthy and nutritious dining options, upgraded bedding and amenities, and wellness-focused content. Designed to help guests maintain a healthy lifestyle, rest better, travel more comfortably and arrive refreshed.
In 2017, ITB China made its debut in Shanghai. At the time, Chinese travelers made more than 130 million outbound trips, while independent travel, online booking and demand for more personalized experiences were gaining momentum. China’s outbound travel market was expanding rapidly, and optimism across the industry was high.
Europe Congress is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the 2026 edition of Events Club Forum, which took place from 30 August–1 September in Prague, Czechia. This unique MICE forum consistently connects top-level international event planners with carefully selected MICE service providers from across Europe year after year.
The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) has launched the BE Fuelled-Up Campaign, a new support initiative aimed at attracting more international Business Events and strengthening Malaysia’s competitiveness as a preferred destination for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions.
Cape Town, 24 August 2026 – In honour of Women's Month, WTM Africa is announcing early updates to its Women in Tourism (WiT) programme, running alongside WTM Africa 2027, from 7–9 April 2027 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
The China International MICE Exchange (CIMX), taking place November 3–5, 2026, in Beijing, announces a strategic partnership with PCMA, the world’s largest community of business events strategists, to strengthen corporate buyer engagement and bring global business events intelligence to China’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) market.
Defining how the global events industry better communicates its economic and social value, while identifying areas that require more support, will be key priorities for IBTM World's Forum for Advocacy, in partnership with The Business of Events, when it takes place next month.
Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of luxury resorts in the Maldives warmly invites guests to experience Maldives Festive Splendor at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, and JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa.
After the successful EventMania Festival, which took place on September 9 at Arjaan by Rotana Dubai MediaCity and brought together around 300 event industry professionals under one roof, we received numerous requests to continue organizing such meetings. And we listened!