The economic impact on Florence of the congresses acquired in 2023 alone is over 30 million euro, with fourteen high-profile international congresses set to take place between 2024 and 2028, reaching 18,000 expected participants. Just over 80% of the conferences take place at Firenze Fiera, but Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, the city’s opera house, is also gaining traction as a venue for corporate events. Last year, it hosted 12 conventions and four conferences, hosting 22,000 delegates. The impact on hotel occupancy was also significant, reaching 29% for an average presence of 1.35 days.
President of Fondazione Destination Florence, Laura Masi, commented,
“Florence is the ideal destination for events of all kinds and sizes. In addition to the constant and effective collaboration with Firenze Fiera for large events, we are pleased to highlight the development of the hotel sector as a venue for hosting smaller events and conferences. Development in terms of sustainable tourism for the entire metropolitan area is in the Foundation’s DNA. Thanks to its unique characteristics, conference and corporate tourism fits perfectly into this vision. The data also certifies the effectiveness of our work: supporting and promoting ever-increasing quality tourism”.
President of Firenze Fiera, Lorenzo Becattini, adds,
“Thanks to the synergy with Fondazione Destination Florence, with the Municipality of Florence, and all the other institutions and bodies involved, the business volume of the congress sector is growing exponentially. In 2023, we hosted 133 events for a total of 60 thousand participants, up compared to the previous year. Also, last year we obtained the ISO 20121 certification, which is essential for hosting sustainable events. Finally, with the completion of the work on the new Bellavista pavilion (scheduled for early 2027), our spaces will be equipped with a new room that will be ideal for large corporate and congress events and for hosting corporate and medical-scientific events that bring quality tourism to the city and leave a legacy in the area”.
