UIA's 2025 international meeting statistics place Busan among the world's top convention cities; ICCA rankings also show record highs
Busan ranked 22nd in the world and 7th in Asia in the Union of International Associations' 2025 international meeting statistics, cementing the city's standing as a global hub for the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions industry.
The Busan city government and Busan Tourism Organization announced Monday that Busan had also posted record highs in the International Congress and Convention Association's latest rankings, placing 49th globally and 12th in Asia.
The UIA is a data analysis body that compiles global statistics and information on nongovernmental organizations and intergovernmental bodies, while the ICCA is the world's largest convention organization and the recognized authority on MICE industry statistics worldwide.
Some say the results reflect the combined efforts of the city government and Busan Tourism Organization, which formed a joint front — from the initial bidding and planning stages through on-site coordination and final adjustments — to attract large-scale, high-value international events to Busan in an increasingly competitive post-pandemic landscape.
The advanced convention facilities at Bexco, Busan's main MICE venue, along with its integrated infrastructure connecting accommodation, shopping and cultural amenities, were also cited as key drivers of the achievement.
The city and the tourism organization said they plan to strengthen tailored incentive support for local industry players to attract more high-value intergovernmental meetings and major international academic conferences going forward.
Lee Jeong-sil, president of the Busan Tourism Organization, pledged to "take the lead in solidifying Busan's status as a global hub city — the first destination MICE professionals around the world turn to."
Na Yun-bin, director of Busan's tourism and MICE bureau, said the back-to-back recognition from globally credible MICE research bodies was "the result of the city, the tourism organization, Bexco and the local MICE industry working as one team." Na added that the city would "refine its marketing strategy to elevate the profile of Busan's MICE industry."
kaf2002@heraldcorp.com
