In the latest ICCA rankings, Portugal’s capital ranked 12th globally among cities, hosting 109 international meetings in 2014. The momentum continued this year with major gatherings that February’s annual meeting of the 150-member International Association of Professional Congress Organisers, and last month, the 31st annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology.
With the Lisbon Convention Bureau presently offering financial support for international events with 600 or more delegates (75 percent or higher coming from foreign markets) via the International Congress Fund through the end of 2015, and a wave of infrastructure development that includes close to 20 new city and regional hotel openings this year, the “City of Seven Hills” on the Tagus River is well positioned for continuing MICE success.
“As the closest European capital to North America, Lisbon has direct airlift from New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Miami, Toronto and Montreal,” says Alexandra Baltazar, manager for the Lisbon Convention Bureau. “Along with accessibility, attendees can look forward to top value for their money, welcoming hospitality, UNESCO World Heritage attractions, great food and wine, and much more,” she continues. “Think of Lisbon as a city-resort concept. We are the perfect European destination to create unforgettable events.”
Among the new properties debuting this year are the 224-room Jupiter Hotel Lisboa, and slated to open this October, the refurbished InterContinental Lisbon, offering 237 deluxe rooms, including 78 executive rooms and 16 suites.
With its own “Golden Gate Bridge,” the American-built 25th of April Bridge, or Bridge over the Tagus (Ponte sobre o Tejo), Lisbon offers a trove of unique group venues complementing main facilities such as the Lisbon Convention Centre and FIL exhibition center in the modern Park of Nations.
One of the few Gothic-era survivors of 1755’s devastating earthquake, the 14th century Museo Carmo became the Carmo Archaeological Museum in 1864, its rib-like ruins providing a dramatic stage for functions and events.
Portugal’s signature azulejos ceramic tiles are showcased at the National Tile Museum. Housed in a former convent from 1509, this is a must-visit, along with the Fado Museum, celebrating Portugal’s UNESCO-protected national song, and performances at the city’s famed Fado Houses.
Another 16th century convent transformed into event space is Convento do Beato. Under its steel and glass canopy, the lower cloisters can host receptions for up to 1,000 guests, with space for up to 500 in both the refectory and library.
Built as Lisbon’s bullring in 1892, Campo Pequeno today serves as a multipurpose venue for large-scale events in the heart of the city. The dramatic Oceanario de Lisboa is one of Europe’s largest aquariums, offering guided tours and flexible function space.
Several of Portugal’s 15 UNESCO-protected cultural sites are in Lisbon. These include the co-listed maritime monument Tower of Belem at the entrance to Lisbon Harbor, and the 16th century Monastery of the Hieronymites, each accommodating tours and group functions.
Opened in May, the nearby National Coach Museum features a regal collection of carriages from the 17th to 19th centuries.
Housed in a massive converted warehouse near the Tagus, Kais Restaurant has banquet seating for 400, or triple that for receptions, with additional space for 300 in the wine cellar, along with a river-facing terrace.
Major annual events include April’s 10-day Lisbon Fish & Flavours Festival; and 40 miles to the north in Santarem, the National Gastronomy Festival, celebrating its 35th edition this October. Since 1999, Lisbon’s summertime Ocean Festival celebrates the city’s maritime heritage with two weeks of mostly free events and concerts.
Lisbon’s MICE appeal extends west to the Estoril Coast, where assets include the cliff-hugging Palacio Nacional da Pena, or “Feather Palace,” and its exotic gardens in magical UNESCO-listed Sintra, and set within the 16th century Citadel of Cascais, the 126-room, conference-capable Pousada de Cascais.
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