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.
S MEETING DESTINATIONS
Destinations that can host up to 600 event attendees (31 evaluated destinations in 2026)
Winner: KITZBÜHEL, Austria, final score: 4.230
Kitzbühel is a high-quality small-meetings and incentive destination, known for its alpine setting, safety, and premium hospitality. The destination is particularly well-suited for executive meetings, incentives and focused conferences that value privacy, authenticity and strong experiential content. A compact selection of high-end hotels and distinctive venues is complemented by professional local support and a strong incentive profile.
Benchmarking insight: Other destinations can learn from Kitzbühel’s ability to position itself clearly as a premium, experience-driven meetings destination rather than competing on scale.
2nd place: ZAKOPANE, Poland, final score: 4.220
Zakopane is a well-established small meetings and incentive destination, distinguished by its strong natural and cultural identity at the foothills of the Tatra Mountains. The destination is particularly suitable for incentive programmes, team meetings and smaller conferences that benefit from outdoor activities and authentic local experiences. Zakopane offers a solid meeting infrastructure supported by a professional hospitality base and high safety standards.
Benchmarking insight: Other destinations can learn from Zakopane’s ability to leverage strong natural assets and cultural authenticity to create competitive, experience-driven meeting offers.
3rd place: ZELL AM SEE, Austria, final score: 4.190
Zell am See–Kaprun is a well-positioned small meetings and incentive destination, defined by its alpine setting, strong sustainability credentials and high quality of life. The destination is particularly suitable for incentive programmes, executive meetings and smaller conferences that benefit from nature-based experiences and year-round outdoor activities. Professional local services and a clear focus on responsible tourism support a compact meetings infrastructure.
Benchmarking insight: Other destinations can learn from Zell am See–Kaprun’s integration of sustainability, natural experiences, and precise positioning within the small-meetings segment.
4th place: BOHINJ, Slovenia, final score: 4.151
The majority of event guests will be sworn lovers of nature and its aesthetic value. Bohinj is a place designed for sustainable conference programmes and active incentive experiences. It is a place where, without any hesitation, you can drink water from the public water supply and from its clean streams. Even the basic network of thematic paths offers ideas for authentic congress programmes. In Slovenia, the beauty of Bohinj can only be matched by its neighbours across the peaks in the Soča Valley, or in Kranjska Gora.
Benchmarking insight: The unmatched range of incentive experiences is the main reasons event organisers flock to this green slice of Slovenia.
5th place: VRNJAČKA BANJA, Serbia, final score: 4.144
Vrnjačka Banja offers its visitors a vibrant and diverse cultural and entertainment program throughout the year, especially in the summer tourist season. It is famed for its thermal water spas, the Vrnjačka Banja Carnival, a miniature version of Rio’s, and a history dating back to Roman times. Soon, it will inaugurate the largest panoramic wheel in the Balkans.
Benchmarking insight: Healing thermal water is an extra feature that will delight event attendees in Vrnjačka Banja.
6th place: GORIŠKA BRDA, Slovenia, final score: 4.134
The number of features of Brda makes it special and unique in the wider area. In the first place is its openness to the sea, which creates a pleasant Mediterranean climate; followed by its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and an eco-preserved countryside with an exceptional culinary and wine offer, unrivalled in the region. A panorama of hills with a cluster of agglomerations, subdivided farmland, and countless terraced vineyards is certainly one of the most beautiful Italian-Slovenian landscape aesthetic experiences. In the field of tourism-convention offer, Brda is perhaps the future formula of tourism development: “less is more”. The convention fate of Brda and Collio is in cooperation and joint promotion.
Benchmarking insight: Here, attendees can enjoy the sunset over the rolling vineyards while staying in premium boutique, family-owned hotels.
7th place: KRANJSKA GORA, Slovenia, final score: 4.118
The most important winter sports centre in Slovenia has, among Slovenian ski resorts, the strongest brand, known worldwide mainly for the Cup Vitranc. Slowly and steadily, it has also developed a summer tourist offer, which is enabling the growth of congress tourism. Both seasons are now virtually in balance. With the latest changes in the hospitality field, it will surely strengthen its position as an important centre for the implementation of incentive programmes and small conferences. Due to the recognition of the ski jumps in Planica and the Vitranc Cup, it has a high priority over other rivals in the region. It is an important boutique congress destination for quality mid-size corporate events with up to 350 participants.
Benchmarking insight: An Alpine gem that thrills guests year-round with diverse programmes and breathatking views of the Alps.
8th place: HAAPSALU, Estonia, final score: 4.113
Just an hour’s drive from Tallinn, this Nordic Venice is the perfect destination for families, couples looking for romance and health-seekers alike. Not least, event attendees can organise events here with an emphasis on wellbeing.
Benchmarking insight: Medical congresses are Haapsalu’s forte.
9th place: ROGAŠKA SLATINA, Slovenia, final score: 4.107
It would be hard to find a more traditional health resort in Slovenia. Most other health resorts, including the neighbouring Podčetrtek, cannot boast such a tradition that inspires confidence. In a few years, the place will have radically changed its appearance and will have excellent congress infrastructure. However, something remains missing – more convention visitors who once came en masse to these places. Rogaška needs congress tourism, as is written into its DNA. It seems to be defying modern times, mainly thanks to proactive individual hoteliers. To regain a top spot, more connectivity will be required, better joint promotion, and all of this reflected through the establishment of a convention bureau.
Benchmarking insight: The royal charm permeating the air in this city is one of the reasons it never lacks tourists.
10th place: MALI LOŠINJ, Croatia, final score: 4.102
Lošinj and Cres are the only Adriatic islands that successfully manage sustainable tourism and are among the more eco-friendly islands of Kvarner. They differ from the more famous Dalmatian islands in their nature preservation, systematic sustainable development, and cultural heritage. All these activities are well managed and present a significant opportunity for a sustainable meetings industry in harmony with the islands’ capabilities. The key challenge is invisibility on the meetings industry radar, with no recognisable incentive for brands to build high-quality boutique and intimate stories. If local suppliers can build on these points, they will be able to benefit from current industry trends.
Benchmarking insight: Sustainability sits at the core of the island’s philosophy. Hosting an event here means considering the impact of an event and longterm legacy.
We sincerely congratulate all the destinations that competed in this year’s Meetings Star competition.
Explore more about the Meetings Star Award here.
