“The division of the Italian territory into congress clusters carried out by ASERI shows how the economic value of the meeting industry is generated not only in major congress hubs, which account for more than 40%, but also in tourist municipalities with a maritime, lake, and spa vocation, which contribute over 20%, as well as in the industrial heart of Italy—less relevant from a tourism standpoint but central to the country’s economic and productive development—which can be attributed around 18% of the total value,” explains Roberto Nelli, Scientific Director of the Research Lab on the International Meeting Industry at ASERI.
According to ASERI, in 2024, conferences and events hosted in Italy attracted 29.3 million participants, generating direct spending of €11.47 billion, up by 28.5%. This figure is driven by the growth in overall attendance (+12.9%) and, in particular, by participants staying more than one day (+16.6%).
The largest impact comes from accommodation spending, which accounts for 44.6% of the total (€5.12 billion, +36.5% compared to 2023). This is followed by national and regional transport at €2.61 billion (22.8%), dining outside event venues at €1.80 billion (15.7%), shopping and other expenses at €1.38 billion (12.1%), while local transport totals €555 million (4.8%).
Among the main cost items, in-house catering and food services account for 57% of the total, equal to €1.91 billion, followed by staging and technologies at €699 million (20.8%), and venue rental at €575 million (17.1%). The Daily Delegate Rate—the average daily spending per participant borne by organisers—rises to €71.19 (+5.9%). Overall, the combination of participant spending and venue spending brings the average daily value per individual participant to €314.25, confirming the Meeting Industry as one of the highest-impact segments for the national economy.
“The meeting industry continues to be a driver of economic and social development for the country. The data reaffirm the role of the MICE sector, which not only strengthens Italy’s international competitiveness but also generates increasing, widespread value across territories. It is therefore essential that institutions continue to recognise their strategic role and support their development in order to consolidate the results achieved and successfully address future challenges,” emphasises Gabriella Gentile, President of Federcongressi&eventi.
Ivana Jelinic, CEO of ENIT S.p.A., highlights that “the meeting industry represents a fundamental segment within the tourism sector. Italy attracts many visitors who first discover the country through meetings and conferences and then decide to return to experience and explore its beauty. The MICE segment acts as a lever for territorial development, generating positive spillovers throughout the entire supply chain.”
Find out more about the study here.
