“These financial results, particularly the increase in short-term rental revenues, reflect the return to the trend of in-person meetings, both for small corporate events and prestigious international conferences and congresses. Over the past two years, we have seen a considerable rise primarily in scientific, medical, and technological events,” comments Lenka Žlebková, CEO of the Prague Congress Centre. “I am pleased that we continue to attract highly prestigious international congresses to Prague. We firmly believe that the planned investment [building a multifunctional hall] will commence as soon as possible, allowing for further development of the MICE industry in Prague. The city truly deserves international recognition,” adds Lenka Žlebková.
Last year, PCC hosted 261 events, the most notable being the 27th World Road Congress, which attracted over 4,000 delegates from 120 countries, including 40 ministerial delegations. By winning the bid over cities like Sydney and Kuala Lumpur, Prague and PCC not only demonstrated the capability to host prestigious international events but also highlighted the city’s high attractiveness to international clientele. In May 2024, Prague was ranked among the top 5 most attractive European congress destinations according to the ICCA ranking and currently holds the sixth position worldwide. “A significant part of the events we host at PCC are political summits. After a series of political events during our EU Council Presidency in 2022, we welcomed the EU member states’ parliamentary presidents in April last year, and in October, we hosted representatives from forty parliamentary chambers from around the world for the Crimea Platform conference,” explains Lenka Žlebková.
The Prague Congress Centre demonstrates the enormous potential of the MICE industry and its benefits for the city of Prague. To fully leverage this potential, the centre’s expansion is crucial. The project to construct a new multifunctional hall, which would complement the centre’s exhibition spaces, is currently pending shareholder approval. Another investment project awaiting the construction permit is the revitalisation of the so-called Northern Terrace. The expansive area in front of the building is set to be completely transformed into an attractive and pleasant space with relaxation zones, sports facilities, water features, and spaces for a café and a lookout point.
