With a total of 104 international congresses held in 2008 Copenhagen is one of the world's most appealing congress cities - ahead of both London and Amsterdam.
According to the latest report from the Union of International Association (UIA), Copenhagen is the world's 9th most popular destination for international congresses.
This is based on figures from 2008, during which the city, among others, hosted the European Hematology Association, with 6,700 participants, and the European Society of Anaesthesiologists, with 5,000.
Both of these took place in Scandinavia's largest convention centre the Bella Center.
2009 is also shaping up to be a particularly good year during which Copenhagen will host a range of major congresses. Steen Jakobsen, Head of Congresses at Wonderful Copenhagen CVB, says:
"In terms of turnover, 2009 is going to be a record breaking year. 15 of the many congresses we are hosting have between 2,000 and 15,000 participants. This includes, for example, the IOC's 121st session and 13th congress, and the UN Convention on Climate Change COP15."
The secret of Copenhagen's success as a congress city is partly explained by the short distances between its hotels and conference facilities, and the fact that Copenhagen Airport is Northern Europe's main air traffic hub.
The city boasts an international reputation for its low crime rate; general efficiency levels; its cultural and entertainment attractions; and the selection of good restaurants. And the Copenhagen region's dynamic research and scientific environment is recognized internationally - the region is particularly strong within the medical and IT industries.
Furthermore, the city's facilities have expanded significantly during the last decade and continues to do so.
Next year will see the opening of the Tivoli Congress Center fitting 4,000 delegates in the heart of Copenhagen. And before 2012 the city's hotel capacity will expand by over 30%.
UIA's report is based on the number of congresses arranged by associations or organizations held in each city that include a minimum of two bed-nights, involve more than 300 participants from a minimum of five different countries, and in which 40% or more of the participants are foreign.
It should be noted that, as well as the congresses registered with the UIA, Copenhagen is also the host city for a considerable number of other meetings and congresses.
For more information, visit Wonderful Copenhagen
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