Congress Tourism Market Report 2026

The congress tourism market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.15 trillion in 2025 to $1.25 trillion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of global business travel, growth in professional associations and industry forums, development of convention centers and venues, increasing corporate knowledge-sharing initiatives, availability of global air connectivity.

The congress tourism market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.77 trillion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing investments in smart convention infrastructure, rising demand for hybrid international events, expansion of corporate and academic collaborations, growing focus on carbon-neutral events, increasing adoption of virtual engagement technologies. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of hybrid and digital congress formats, rising demand for sustainable event management practices, growing use of data-driven event planning tools, expansion of experiential and networking-focused events, enhanced focus on personalized delegate experiences.

The rising demand for business conferences is expected to propel the growth of the congress tourism market going forward. A business conference is a formal meeting or gathering organized for professionals, companies, or organizations to discuss industry trends, share knowledge, network, and collaborate on business strategies or projects. The surge in business conference demand is often driven by the expansion of global business networks, advancements in technology, and the need for professional development. Congress tourism is essential for business conferences as it provides a structured platform for professionals to network, exchange industry knowledge, and explore new business opportunities in a focused environment. For instance, in April 2024, according to Social Tables, a US-based software-as-a-service company focused on event planning, in 2023, the United States had more than 41,000 scheduled conferences and trade shows. Therefore, rising demand for business conferences drives the growth of the congress tourism market.

Major companies operating in the congress tourism market are developing incentive programs to provide a range of services designed to streamline the planning and execution of incentive travel programs. Incentive programs are strategic initiatives designed to motivate and reward individuals or groups for achieving specific goals or performance targets. For instance, in July 2023, Ottawa Tourism, a Canada-based provider of destination development and marketing, launched Ottawa VIP (Visitor Inspiration Program). The Ottawa VIP (Visitor Inspiration Program) offers a unique incentive for tour operators by providing a box of local gifts to enhance the in-destination experience and highlight Ottawa's culture. Additionally, the program includes a $35 credit per room night, which can be used on a qualified tour operator’s next visit to Ottawa, encouraging repeat business. This multi-year incentive program, available until December 1, 2023, aims to boost travel trade engagement with the city.

In August 2023, EventMobi, a Canada-based event management software solution company, acquired Run The World for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition seeks to merge EventMobi's proficiency in in-person events with Run The World's capabilities in virtual gatherings. This combination will enable the newly formed entity to offer advanced and integrated hybrid event solutions. Run The World is a US-based provider of congress tourism.

Major companies operating in the congress tourism market are Kuoni Destination Management, BCD Travel Services Inc., VisitBritain, MP International Pte Ltd, Congrex Switzerland AG, Congress Rental Network, American Meetings Inc., IMEX Group Ltd, EventMobi Inc., International Conference Services Ltd, IAPCO - International Association of Professional Congress Organisers, Conference Partners International Ltd, Kenes Group Ltd, K.I.T. Group GmbH, Event Solutions Inc., Tumlare Corporation, EGA (European Group of Associations) Professional Congress Organizers, ICMS Australasia Pty Ltd, Arinex Pty Ltd, Event Dynamics Inc., Ana Juan Congresos S.L., ESA Latin America S.A., Ovation Global DMC, ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association), CPO HANSER SERVICE GmbH.

Europe was the largest region in the congress tourism market in 2025. The regions covered in the congress tourism market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the congress tourism market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The congress tourism market includes revenues earned by entities by organizing and attending conferences, accommodation and transportation, catering, and hospitality. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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