The unique, in-depth, independent evaluation system of meeting destinations is based on the Meeting Experience Index of destinations, which comprises an analysis of over 75 qualitative criteria. The methodology goes beyond classic comparisons that focus solely on the number of events hosted at destinations, also evaluating and contrasting their maximum capacities, resilience, and the actual needs of event organisers.
M MEETING DESTINATIONS
Destinations that can host up to 1,200 event attendees (31 evaluated destinations in 2026)
Winner: PORTOROSE, SLOVENIA final score: 4.390
Portorož remains one of the leading Adriatic meeting destinations, building on a long congress tradition and established infrastructure. In recent years, the destination has gained renewed momentum through targeted investments and better integration of venues across the wider Piran–Portorož area, including the activation of Monfort as a distinctive event venue. Stronger destination connectivity, upgraded hotel offerings, and improved stakeholder collaboration support its competitiveness in a demanding regional market.
Benchmarking insight: Other destinations can learn from Portorož’s ability to revitalise legacy infrastructure through diversification, venue repositioning and closer destination-wide cooperation.
2nd place: DUBROVNIK, Croatia, final score: 4.347
Dubrovnik remains one of the most iconic meeting destinations in the Adriatic. Rooted in the legacy of the Republic of Ragusa, the city’s identity is defined by independence, resilience and timeless charm. Ongoing investments, including hotel renovations, improved air connectivity and the Pelješac Bridge, further strengthen its competitiveness. Dubrovnik continues to be the region’s flagship destination and a natural reference point for international event organisers.
Benchmarking insight: Other destinations can learn from Dubrovnik’s ability to combine strong heritage, continuous infrastructure investment and global brand recognition into a long-term competitive advantage.
3rd place: OPATIJA, Croatia, final score: 4.260
Opatija is widely recognised as one of the most concentrated and refined meeting destinations in the region. Few destinations offer such a diverse portfolio of high-quality hotels and meeting venues within a compact coastal setting. Its historic elegance is increasingly complemented by new investments in hotel renovations, upgraded conference facilities and enhanced destination infrastructure. The presence of boutique properties at both ends of the Riviera further strengthens Opatija’s exclusive character.
Benchmarking insight: Other destinations can learn from Opatija’s ability to combine heritage, compactness, and sustained investment to remain relevant in a competitive meetings landscape.
4th place: BUDVA, Montenegro, final score: 4.247
Budva is one of the central incentive destinations on the Adriatic coast, with very successful marketing, despite numerous deficiencies in poor accessibility and current capacity selection. The development plans for the Monte Carlo of the Adriatic, openness from foreign investors and very liberal policies could position the Montenegro coast very high on the meetings industry map in the next few years, while it is already the leader in the area of incentive programs. If this “wild beauty” improves its accessibility, price competitiveness, and infrastructure, it can be a worthy competitor as a meetings destination, even in the wider Mediterranean region, among the top destinations.
Benchmarking insight: A growing events industry and a range of seaborne incentive experiences make Budva a compelling choice in the Adriatic.
5th place: ROVINJ, Croatia, final score: 4.247
Maistra in Rovinj has undoubtedly left its mark. Given Rovinj’s geographic location as one of the closest Mediterranean congress destinations for Central and Western Europe, the future of this industry is guaranteed. Missing is only a convention bureau, which would know how to step out of the destination’s corporate governance and serve as the attorney for the meetings industry. Otherwise, forecasts that Rovinj will be more exclusive than Dubrovnik seem realistic. The new icon of Rovinj is Grand Park Hotel Rovinj, which boasts one of the most exclusive event halls in the region.
Benchmarking insight: The ambitious redevelopment of Rovinj’s marina by Maistra is a testament to the growing importance of Rovinj as an event destination.
6th place: SAALFELDEN, Austria, final score: 4.222
Often, hidden destinations are much more interesting. The same can be said about the tourist destination of Saalfelden Leogang. The destination is committed to sustainability and to strong connections among tourism, agriculture, forestry, and trade. Many hotels have their own water sources; the pools are heated with solar energy, and smaller hotels have their own heating stations powered by wood chips from the surrounding forests. Many destinations have a lot to learn, and Saalfelden is a shining example in this field. Everything functions well, the food is local, and the well-being of guests is excellently taken care of.
Benchmarking insight: The combination of sustainability and skiing makes this destination an easy choice for boutiue events.
7th place: TIMISOARA, Romania, final score: 4.220
Timisoara is the Romanian city of firsts. From pioneering technologies to being the birthplace of world-famous celebrities, it has a vibe of a place always looking to improve, experiment, and discover. Centuries of peaceful coexistence between different ethnicities make Timisoara a very friendly, welcoming and inclusive place. Timisoara holds on to its old Central European charm and blends it with Balkan influences, creating a picturesque, accessible and completely safe city that offers opportunities to create your own personal firsts every step of the way.
Benchmarking insight: A place known for its innovation, a city of firsts, Timisoara attracts forward thinkers, empowers creators to experiment and to make history here.
8th place: BLED, Slovenia, final score: 4.218
Plenty of ink has been spilt on the beauty of this Alpine pearl. Opening in summer 2026, Muzej Lah in Bled will bring the private Lah art collection—built over 30 years by Igor and Mojca Lah—into the public eye for the first time. In Bled, the saying ‘Less is more’ is very true. The potential of the meetings industry is immense; it just needs to be harnessed effectively.
Benchmarking insight: Bled is often love at first sight. Its appeal has not dwindled; on the contrary, the number of events is growing every year.
9th place: MARIBOR, Slovenia, final score: 4.212
Maribor’s modus vivendi is embodied in the oldest vine tree in the world, which seems incredibly resilient and vigorous. The same can be said for Maribor’s meetings industry, which successfully defied the corona crisis and now awaits event organisers in a new, refreshed look. Maribor attracts events because of its status as a student city, serving as the business, scientific, educational, cultural, and political centre of Eastern Slovenia. While strolling the streets of the city centre, you can stumble upon pristine nature, as urban and rural go hand in hand in Maribor.
Benchmarking insight: Maribor has everything that its larger competitors offer. It may have less experience in congress tourism compared to other Slovenian meeting destinations. However, the providers’ heartfelt approach makes clients feel more than welcome.
10th place: SCHLADMING, Austria, final score: 4.209
Schladming is a big skiing centre, the scene of the best slalom races of the season, as well as other internationally known sports competitions. Besides that, it is also an excellent congress venue and a place that stays in every guest’s fond memory. We can say without a doubt that the tourist development in Schladming is a success story, and we are certain it will continue to be so in the future. Contributing to the success were mostly sporting events, on which they have built extensively. Through event organisation, the destination has gained extensive experience, which can now be transferred to the congress field.
Benchmarking insight: Beyond the ski races, Schladming is fast becoming a year-round destination with decent event infrastructure.
We sincerely congratulate all the destinations that competed in this year’s Meetings Star competition.
Explore more about the Meetings Star Award here.
