LUXEMBOURG – MTLG Destination Update 2024

Often referred to as the millionaire’s country, Luxembourg is a Central European outpost most travellers only ever see from above instead of in person. Luxembourg is tucked between France, Germany and Belgium. The capital, Luxembourg City, is, despite its boutique build, bustling with landmarks that could be mistaken for any metropolitan European capital. As electric buses and trams whiz by with timeliness akin to Japanese super trains, one could easily mistake Luxembourg for the robot city from the Matrix. All public transport is free of charge in Luxembourg, making the country a best-case example of sustainable, environment-friendly transportation. The architecture befits a modern city, too. The interplay of modernist architecture – vast glass surfaces, impressive slabs of iron and steel – and the gothic black-tiled roofs signal that this is both a city of past and present. Indeed, the old city quarter is a vestige of the past grandeur of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, dating to the 10th century. The architecture is a world away from drab and dreary depictions in Gothic novels. Over the centuries, the buildings have acquired a refined, gleaming patina that now blankets the pastel-coloured buildings dotting the picturesque city centre. Unsurprisingly, the Instagrammable buildings have found their way on UNESCO’s list of protected heritage.

The old city centre boasts more than Gothic cathedrals and governmental edifices. Its retro, if funky, restaurants and bars point to an outpost kicking far above its weight. Although only some 135,000 residents call Luxembourg City home, the destination seems abuzz with creative campaigns. Numerous museums are a testament to that, with Mudam (Contemporary Art Museum of Luxembourg) leading the pack. In addition, Luxembourg hasn’t experienced overtourism for now. This undeservedly neglected yet charming destination has a unique opportunity to present its offer internationally.

The modern European Convention Centre Luxembourg has been hosting international events since its opening. The modernist architecture seamlessly seeps into the Kirchberg business district, dominated by glass-panelled towering buildings, hotels and modern restaurants. The ECCL features two plenary rooms with a maximum capacity of 800 participants, alongside 11 meeting rooms. Hosting over 150 events annually, the convention centre is among the region’s busiest. The convention centre sits at the heart of the Convention Park Luxembourg – an urbanist project that joins all the facilities event organisers need for an event. That includes superb hotels, from Novotel and Melia to Mama Shelter, diverse cuisines and two international convention centres. The city’s cosmopolitan soul, paired with a Gothic heart, has won over regional event organisers who may help transform Luxembourg from a one-day-trip destination to a weekend destination. When a global association such as MPI decides on Luxembourg for its European MPI EMEC Conference, it is a sign the city is on the up. The international delegates took over the city in early March to meet and change the world, as MPI’s slogan goes.

Every year, Luxembourg hosts several festivals and events that bring international visitors to the capital city. One of them is the iconic summer Blues’n’Jazz Rallye when thousands flock to the old town. Culture lovers will not be disappointed, given the entire city gathers for the Museum Night in October. In short, despite the vacant streets and eerie quietness in most districts during nights and even weekends, Luxembourgers know how to throw a great party here and there.

Train hopping

It is hard to find a better operating public transport service in Europe, not to mention it is free of charge for all. Taking attendees on a brief journey across the country to Vianden Castle will help them appreciate the commendable and sustainable transport Luxembourg is renowned for. Vianden Castle has a rich history and incredible position, and the museum collection shows how medieval Luxembourg developed into a stronghold in this region. When boarding the train meandering back to Luxembourg City, mind the gap!

Polyglots live in Luxembourg. It is no myth that almost every Luxembourger speaks four languages: German, Luxembourgish, French and English. Considering a third of the population are residents who speak other languages, too, getting your message across shouldn’t be a problem. Besides their language mastery, Luxembourgers are adept at making incredible prize-winning animation videos and films. In 2014, one of them – Mr Hublot – won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film at the 86th Academy Awards.

Luxembourg City Film Festival 2024
(29 February – 10 March 2024)
W: https://www.luxfilmfest.lu/

MPI EMEC Luxembourg 2024
(3 – 5 March 2024)
W: https://www.mpi.org/emec

ING Night Marathon Luxembourg
(11 May 2024)
W: https://www.ing-night-marathon.lu/

Blues’n Jazz Rallye
(20 July 2024)
W: https://www.luxembourg-city.com/fr/summer-in-the-city

Night of Museums
(12 October 2024)
W: https://www.visitluxembourg.com/event/night-of-museums

Perhaps not as fancy as French gastronomic institutions, Luxembourg nonetheless boasts award-winning restaurants. Foodies can relish innovative dishes across the country at 4 Bib Gourmand Restaurants and book a table at one of the 10 Michelin-starred restaurants. A cuisine that is as local as it is hearty, it relies on simple dishes, with potato often the star ingredient. The elephant in the room is the exorbitant price of food. Yet, travellers must be prepared to reach deeper into their pockets when staying here. Luxembourg has its own culinary hero, Ketty Thull, who published 17 cookbooks in the first half of the 20th century. No kitchen in Luxembourg is complete without at least one of her works.

Criminally overlooked, Luxembourg is not only a haven for millionaires but has the potential to become a household name among event organisers in the meetings industry. Its modern event facilities, commendable accessibility and quality services, if unreasonably expensive, render it an up-and-coming regional competitor. Luxembourg City’s multilinguistic soul, Gothic heart and modern attire will surprise the naysayers who choose more renowned destinations over this tiny European country. What it lacks in size, Luxembourg more than makes up in character.

Written by Jure Čad

NOTE: The MTLG Destination Update is not a paid advertisement. The Luxembourg MTLG Destination Update was prepared based on a personal visit of Kongres Magazine’s assessor in March 2024. Based on the evaluation, Luxembourg will be evaluated according to the Meeting Experience Index methodology. The MTLG evaluation will be prepared by the end of 2024.