Valencia: A Smart, Sustainable City on the Rise

The latest ICCA rankings offer proof of momentum. In 2024, Valencia hosted 51 international meetings—accounting for nearly 10% of Spain’s total. It now ranks third in the country, just behind Madrid and Barcelona, and ahead of cities such as Bilbao, Seville and Málaga. On the European stage, Valencia has climbed from 27^th to 23^rd place in just one year. And globally, when excluding national capitals, it has entered the top 10—a noteworthy signal of its emerging influence.

Much of this rise has been shaped by intentional investment. Valencia is not simply growing in volume, but in capability. The forthcoming Roig Arena, a 220-million-euro project privately funded by local entrepreneur Juan Roig, will redefine the city’s large-event landscape. Designed for multi-use—from concerts and sports events to high-level business gatherings—it brings with it cutting-edge digital infrastructure and a strong commitment to social return. Let’s also mention the Novotel Valencia Lavant, Accor’s flagship in southern Europe, which offers 370 rooms and extensive conference facilities, within easy reach of the city’s core.

But what makes Valencia more than a venue is its convergence of strengths. Events held in the city increasingly align with its strategic sectors—science, health, music, and food. The Valencia Conference Center hosted the Poultry Congress and is set to welcome ESWI, the European Scientific Conference on Influenza. Meanwhile, Feria Valencia played host to the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) last year, reinforcing the city’s growing profile in the medical and scientific community. On a different note, the Palau de la Música—an emblem of Valencia’s cultural soul—has just served as the venue for the International Tuba Euphonium Conference, a fitting tribute to the city’s deep musical roots.

This diversity is matched by a growing commitment to sustainable urbanism. Named European Green Capital for 2024, Valencia has not rested on symbolic recognition. Its urban policy centres on active mobility, circular economy initiatives, and carbon-neutral event venues. A vast network of bike paths, pedestrianised streets, and integrated green spaces reflect a city that prioritises liveability as much as logistics. For event organisers, this means real options for low-impact gatherings that still connect with the rhythm of local life.

Cultural identity plays a key role in this ecosystem. The city’s “Despensa del Mediterráneo” (Mediterranean Pantry) strategy aims to connect delegates and locals through a shared culinary experience—elevating local producers, showcasing regional cuisine, and aligning gastronomy with sustainability goals. The strategy reflects a broader mindset: meetings are not just about space, but about experience, and Valencia invites attendees to discover not only what the city offers, but what it represents.

One common misconception—the result of unfortunate headlines—relates to recent flooding events. While parts of southern Valencia province did suffer damage during the October 2024 storm known as La Dana, the city of Valencia itself was unaffected. Infrastructure remained fully operational, and the city continues to welcome delegates without disruption. In fact, resilience may be one of its most underappreciated qualities.

More stories on Valencia’s transformation as a conference destination will be featured on our website later this year.