BestCities partner cities have once again been recognised by leading global rankings, industry awards, and international media. This annual awards round-up captures the achievements that highlight their ongoing leadership in business events, destination sustainability, and visitor experience.Table of Contents
Incredible Impacts Awards 2025
The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and BestCities Global Alliance continue to recognise associations that create lasting social impact through international meetings via the Incredible Impacts Programme.
In 2025, Autism-Europe was awarded the $5,000 USD Seed Grant for its work in partnership with AsIAm and Fáilte Ireland, supporting best-in-class accessibility and inclusion initiatives at the 14th Autism-Europe Congress (AEC 2025) in Dublin. The programme focuses on advancing accessible event design while creating long-term benefits for the local autistic community.
The $20,000 USD Main Grant was awarded to Rural WONCA for the World Rural Health Conference (WONCA), recognising its sustained efforts to improve rural healthcare outcomes through global collaboration, policy advocacy, and community-driven legacy initiatives. The conference programme has delivered tangible outcomes including the Limerick Declaration on Rural Healthcare, new education and fellowship pathways, and expanded support for rural health systems worldwide.
Together, the 2025 Incredible Impacts recipients demonstrate how association meetings can serve as powerful platforms for positive, measurable change that extends far beyond the host destination.
Learn more about the Incredible Impacts Programme and view the 2025 case studies at incredibleimpacts.com.
Cape Town
Africa’s Leading City Destination (World Travel Awards), 2020–2024
Cape Town has been recognised as Africa’s Leading City Destination at the World Travel Awards for five consecutive years, reflecting the city’s enduring appeal, strong tourism offering, and global reputation as a leading urban destination on the African continent.
Africa’s Leading Cruise Port (World Travel Awards), 2025
The city further strengthened its position in the global travel and tourism landscape when Cape Town was named Africa’s Leading Cruise Port 2025 at the World Travel Awards, highlighting the port’s growing importance for cruise itineraries and visitor experiences in the region.
Best City in the World (Telegraph Travel Awards), 2023 & 2025
Cape Town was named Best City in the World by readers of the Telegraph Travel Awards in both 2023 and 2025. The recognition reflects strong reader sentiment for the city’s natural beauty, lifestyle, culture, and overall visitor experience.
Top 5 Large City in the World (Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice)
The city also ranked among the Top 5 Large Cities in the World in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, reinforcing Cape Town’s global standing among major urban destinations.
Best City in the World (Time Out), 2025
In 2025, Cape Town was crowned Best City in the World by Time Out, based on a global survey evaluating culture, food, affordability, happiness, and liveability.
Best Airport in Africa (Skytrax World Airport Awards), 2015–2025
Cape Town International Airport was recognised as Best Airport in Africa for the eleventh consecutive year at the Skytrax World Airport Awards, underlining consistent excellence in passenger experience, facilities, and service quality.
Leading Convention Destination in Africa (ICCA), 2014–2025
Cape Town has maintained its position as a leading Convention Destination in Africa in the ICCA rankings, reflecting long-term strength in hosting international association meetings and congresses.
4th Best Food City in the World (Time Out), 2025
The city’s culinary scene was recognised globally when Cape Town was ranked 4th Best Food City in the World by Time Out in 2025, celebrating its diverse food culture, local ingredients, and innovative dining experiences.
Best Airport in the World for On-Time Performance, Customer Experience, and Service Quality (AirHelp Score), 2025
Cape Town International Airport was also named Best Airport in the World by the AirHelp Score 2025, recognising outstanding performance across punctuality, passenger satisfaction, and service quality.
Copenhagen
World Capital of Architecture (UNESCO-UIA), 2023–2026
Copenhagen continues to hold its designation as World Capital of Architecture 2023–2026, a recognition awarded by UNESCO-UIA that highlights the city’s leadership in architecture, urban design, and sustainable city planning. The title reflects Copenhagen’s long-term commitment to creating people-centred, liveable urban environments.
World’s Most Liveable City (EIU), 2025
In 2025, Copenhagen was ranked the world’s most liveable city by the Economist Intelligence Unit, overtaking Vienna after several years at the top. The city achieved top scores across stability, education, and infrastructure, reinforcing its reputation for quality of life and urban resilience.
8th Most Popular Destination for Medical Sciences Meetings (ICCA), 2025
Copenhagen ranked 8th globally for medical sciences meetings in the 2025 ICCA rankings, reflecting the city’s strong life sciences ecosystem and its appeal for high-profile medical and healthcare congresses.
13th Most Popular Destination for Association Meetings (ICCA), 2025
In the same ICCA rankings, Copenhagen placed 13th worldwide for association meetings overall, highlighting its continued strength as a trusted host city for international association conferences across a wide range of sectors.
World’s Most “Open for Business” City 2025
Copenhagen was named the most open-for-business city in a global ranking of 149 cities. The recognition reflects the city’s inclusive business environment, strong governance, and ability to attract international investment and talent.
World’s #3 Most Sustainable City (GDS-Index), 2025
Copenhagen retained its position as the world’s #3 most sustainable city in the 2025 Global Destination Sustainability Index. The ranking recognises the city’s consistent leadership in destination management, climate action, and sustainable event practices.
No. 1 XL Meeting Destination (Conventa), 2025
At Conventa 2025, Copenhagen was named No. 1 XL Meeting Destination, recognising its excellence in hosting large-scale international meetings and congresses for more than 2,000 participants.
Dubai
Global Leader for Association Meetings (ICCA)
Dubai ranked #1 globally for highest attendance per association meeting and #1 in the Middle East and Africa for number of meetings hosted, according to ICCA. The recognition reinforces the city’s position as a leading hub for high-impact international association meetings and large-scale congresses.
ICCA global rankings: Dubai reinforces status as global MICE leader
Association Development Award (ICCA Middle East Summit)
Dubai Business Events received the Association Development Award at the ICCA Middle East Summit, recognising its work to empower associations, strengthen collaboration, and drive long-term legacy outcomes. The award highlights DBE’s role in advancing the global competitiveness of the region’s business events sector in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
No. 1 Meetings Destination in the Middle East and Africa (Cvent)
Dubai was named No. 1 meetings destination in the Middle East and Africa in Cvent’s annual rankings, reflecting the city’s strong performance across venue sourcing, event volume, and planner demand.
Dublin
Top 20 Most Sustainable Cities (GDS-Index), 2025
Dublin placed 19th in the Top 20 of the Global Destination Sustainability Index in 2025, marking a significant rise of 10 places year on year. The GDS-Index evaluates destination sustainability performance across destination management, supplier engagement, social impact, and environmental practices.
Dublin’s overall score increased to 80.3%, up from 75.7% in 2024 and 63.9% in 2023. The city was also recognised among the top five leading destinations in the Metropolis and Mega City category, reflecting strong progress driven by close collaboration between Fáilte Ireland, the Dublin Convention Bureau, Dublin City Council, and the city’s wider business events community.
Cvent Excellence Award – Convention Bureau Winner, 2025
The Dublin Convention Bureau was named a winner at the Cvent Excellence Awards 2025, recognising excellence in destination marketing, event servicing, and planner engagement within the global meetings industry.
World Festival & Event City Award (IFEA), 2025
Dublin was awarded the World Festival & Event City Award at the 70th International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) Convention in Palm Springs in October 2025. Presented through Dublin City Council in partnership with Fáilte Ireland, the award recognises global leadership and excellence in delivering cultural festivals and major events.
Guadalajara
Top 25 Destinations to Visit (National Geographic), 2025
Guadalajara was selected by National Geographic as one of the Top 25 Destinations to Visit in 2025, recognising the city’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant gastronomy, and growing global appeal as a travel destination.
Best Places to Go in North America and the Caribbean (Condé Nast Traveler), 2026
Condé Nast Traveler named Guadalajara among the Best Places to Go in North America and the Caribbean for 2026, highlighting the city’s blend of tradition, creativity, and contemporary urban experiences.
Best Airport in Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI ASQ Awards)
Guadalajara International Airport was recognised through the Airports Council International ASQ programme as the Best Airport in Latin America and the Caribbean, reflecting excellence in passenger experience, service quality, and operational performance.
Best City Destination (EVM Awards), 2025
Guadalajara was named Best City Destination 2025 at the EVM Awards, recognising the city’s strength as a leading urban destination within Mexico and the wider region.
Madrid
Europe’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination (World Travel Awards), 2025
Madrid won Europe’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination for the eighth consecutive year at the World Travel Awards 2025, reinforcing its long-standing leadership within the European business events sector.
World’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination (World Travel Awards), 2025
In December 2025, Madrid was named World’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination for the seventh consecutive year, surpassing the previous record held by Las Vegas and further strengthening its global position as a leading meetings destination.
Top Five Cities in the World (World’s Best Cities Report), 2026
Madrid ranked fifth globally in the World’s Best Cities 2026 report, prepared by Resonance Consultancy in collaboration with Ipsos. The ranking reflects improvements across culture, livability, and overall global appeal, moving the city up two places from the previous year.
European Heritage Award / Europa Nostra Award, 2025
The restoration of Madrid’s iconic Puerta de Alcalá received a double distinction at the European Heritage Award / Europa Nostra Award 2025, including both the jury award and the public vote, recognising excellence in heritage conservation and public engagement.
Best International Destination for Meetings & Conventions (Bronze), PREVUE Visionary Awards, 2025
Madrid received Bronze in the Best International Destination for Meetings & Conventions category at the 2025 PREVUE Visionary Awards, marking the first time the destination has been recognised by the programme.
Tourism and MICE Video Awards (CIFFT Circuit)
Madrid’s video La Suerte de los 40 (The Luck of 40), produced to mark the Madrid Convention Bureau’s 40th anniversary, received multiple international recognitions across festivals within the CIFFT circuit. The video won Gold in the Tourism Products / MICE category at the Terres Travel Festival, received Silver in the Tourism Products / Corporate Videos category at the US International Awards, and was shortlisted at the Japan World’s Tourism Film Festival.
In addition, the presentation video for Centro Danza Matadero received first place in the Tourism Services category at the World Tourism Awards, part of the International Committee of Tourism Film Festivals (CIFFT) circuit.
Melbourne
Top International Delegate City, 2024
Melbourne hosted over 49,000 international business event delegates in 2024—more than any other Australian city. The city also ranked fifth globally for average delegate numbers and hosted 62 international association meetings.
No. 1 in APAC for Sustainability (GDS-Index), 2025
Melbourne has achieved the number one ranking in the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index 2025, leading both Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, and securing the top global position in the Metropolis and Mega Cities category. With a score of 83% (up from 76.6% in 2024), Melbourne’s performance highlights its deep commitment to environmental stewardship, community well-being, and sustainable tourism.
Oceania’s Best Incentive Destination (World MICE Awards), 2025
Melbourne was recognised on the global stage with multiple honours at the 6th Annual World MICE Awards 2025 in Bahrain, reflecting its strength in hosting international conferences and mega-incentive programs.
Melbourne was named Oceania’s Best Incentive Destination 2025, recognising its leadership in delivering exceptional incentive experiences. Additional awards included Arinex as Oceania’s Best MICE Organiser 2025 and the National Gallery of Victoria as Oceania’s Best MICE Event Venue 2025. Pan Pacific Hotels Group further reinforced Melbourne’s hospitality credentials, with all three of its Melbourne properties receiving top honours at the 32nd annual World Travel Awards:
- PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport – Oceania’s Leading Airport Hotel (fifth consecutive year)
- PARKROYAL Monash Melbourne – Australia’s Leading Business Hotel (second consecutive year)
- Pan Pacific Melbourne – Australia’s Leading Hotel (second consecutive year)
With world-class dining, entertainment, and major events such as the Australian Open and Formula 1™ Grand Prix, Melbourne continues to offer standout experiences for business event organisers and delegates.
Best Trade Show & Special Recognition (ABEA), 2025
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) received two major honours at the 2025 Australian Business Events Awards, winning Best Trade Show and receiving a Special Recognition Award for Best Event in 2025.
Owned by the Melbourne Convention Bureau and managed by Talk2 Media & Events, AIME is one of the Asia Pacific region’s most influential trade events, driving economic impact, strengthening global connections, and showcasing Melbourne as a leading destination for business events. AIME 2026 will take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from February 9–11, 2026.
Hotel & Hospitality Excellence (HM Awards), 2025
The 2025 HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence brought together more than 830 industry leaders to celebrate excellence across people, properties, programs, brands, and hotel groups throughout Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. Standout winners from Melbourne and Australia include:
Upscale Hotel — Winner
Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders
Business Hotel — Winner
Rydges Melbourne
Environmental Program — Winner
Corporate Sustainability, Pan Pacific Hotels Group
Service to the Community — Highly Commended
Langham Hospitality Group
Hotel Brand of the Year — Highly Commended
Pullman Hotels & Resorts
Accommodation Chain of the Year — Winner
Accor
IHG Hotels & Resorts — Highly Commended
HM Magazine Australasian Hotelier of the Year — Winner
Adrian Williams, Accor
Singapore
#2 on the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, 2025
Singapore ranked #2 on the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2025 among 69 economies worldwide. The city-state delivered robust performance across all four pillars of the index: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure.
World’s Best Business Environment (EIU), 2024
Singapore was once again recognised as having the World’s Best Business Environment by the Economist Intelligence Unit in 2024, marking the 16th consecutive year it has held this position. The ranking reflects strong scores across foreign investment policy, trade, exchange controls, and technological readiness.
#5 Globally and #2 in SEAO for Innovation (Global Innovation Index), 2025
Singapore placed #5 globally and #2 in Southeast Asia, East Asia and Oceania in the Global Innovation Index 2025. The country also maintained its leading position globally for innovation inputs, underscoring its strength in research, talent, and innovation infrastructure.
#3 Worldwide and #1 Asia Pacific Top Meeting City (ICCA), 2024
Singapore secured #3 on the ICCA Worldwide City Rankings and retained its position as Asia Pacific’s Top Meeting City for the 22nd consecutive year, reinforcing its long-standing leadership in hosting international association meetings.
#1 APAC City for Business Travellers (BCD Cities & Trends), 2025
Singapore ranked #1 most visited city in Asia-Pacific by business travellers in the BCD Cities & Trends Asia Pacific 2025 report, ahead of Tokyo and Hong Kong.
#2 in Asia-Pacific and #13 Globally for Sustainability (GDS-Index), 2025
Singapore was recognised as APAC’s #2 most sustainable destination and #13 globally in the 2025 Global Destination Sustainability Index. The ranking reflects strong collaboration across the industry and sustained investment in green initiatives and responsible tourism practices.
Best MICE Destination in Asia (Meetings & Conventions Asia Stella Awards), 2025
Singapore was awarded Best MICE Destination in Asia for the sixth consecutive year at the 2025 Meetings & Conventions Asia Stella Awards. The Sands Expo & Convention Centre was also recognised, maintaining its status as Best Convention Centre in Asia and Best Sustainable Integrated Resort.
Tokyo
Best Big City in the World (Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards), 2025
Tokyo was named Best Big City in the World in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. The recognition highlighted Tokyo’s global food leadership, noting the city’s unmatched number of Michelin-starred restaurants.
Safest City in the World (World Population Review), 2025
Tokyo was ranked the Safest City in the World in 2025 by World Population Review, reflecting a long-standing reputation for safety, reliability, and public confidence across the city.
Multiple Awards for Airport Excellence (Skytrax World Airport Awards), 2025
At the Skytrax World Airport Awards, Haneda Airport was recognised as the world’s best airport for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) and accessibility. It was also named the world’s cleanest airport for the 10th consecutive year and the world’s best domestic airport.
World’s Richest City (CEO Magazine), 2025
According to CEO Magazine, Tokyo was named the world’s richest city in 2025, with a reported GDP of USD 2.55 trillion, reaffirming its position as a global economic powerhouse.
4th Best City in the World (Resonance Consultancy Best Cities Report)
Tokyo maintained 4th place in the Resonance Consultancy Best Cities ranking, with recognition given to record-breaking tourism growth, continued investment in transport infrastructure, and the city’s extensive cultural and museum offerings.
2nd Most Desirable City in the World (Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards), 2025
Tokyo ranked as the 2nd most desirable city in the world in the 2025 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards. Japan was also named the world’s most desirable country in the same awards.
Washington, DC
Tourism Champion (Washington Business Journal), 2025
Elliott L. Ferguson, II, President and CEO of Destination DC, was named Tourism Champion by the Washington Business Journal in December 2025. The recognition highlights his leadership in advancing Washington, DC’s visitor economy and long-term destination strategy.
PCMA Visionary Award (PCMA), 2025
In January 2025, Elliott L. Ferguson, II received the PCMA Visionary Award, recognising outstanding leadership and contribution to the global business events industry.
Marketing Momentum Award – Overall DMO Marketing Budget Over $5M (U.S. Travel), 2025
Destination DC received U.S. Travel’s Marketing Momentum Award for DMOs with an overall marketing budget exceeding $5 million, recognising the success of its “There’s Only One DC” campaign.
Platinum Choice Award (Smart Meetings), 2025
Washington, DC was named a Platinum Choice Award recipient by Smart Meetings in December 2025, reflecting strong planner confidence in the destination’s meetings infrastructure, services, and overall experience.
Readers’ Choice Award (Convention South), 2025
The destination earned a Convention South Readers’ Choice Award in 2025, based on votes from meeting professionals recognising outstanding convention destinations across the United States.
Visionary Award – Best U.S. Destination for Incentives (Medium) (Prevue), 2025
Washington, DC was recognised as Best U.S. Destination for Incentives – Medium at Prevue’s 2025 Visionary Awards, highlighting its appeal for incentive programmes in cities with populations between 500,000 and one million.
Best of Meetings Today Award, 2025
The city was also named a recipient of the Best of Meetings Today Award in 2025, acknowledging excellence in meetings destinations as voted by planners and readers.
America’s Best Cities (AFAR), 2025
Washington, DC was featured among America’s Best Cities of 2025 by AFAR, recognising destinations that excel as places to live in and visit.
Leading the Way in Accessible Travel (AAA)
AAA highlighted Washington, DC among U.S. cities leading the way in accessible travel, reflecting the city’s commitment to inclusive visitor experiences.
Best Places to Visit in June (The Points Guy)
Washington, DC was included in The 10 best places to visit in June by The Points Guy, highlighting seasonal appeal and major events.
Where to Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday (National Geographic), 2026
National Geographic named Washington, DC as a key destination for celebrating America’s 250th birthday in 2026, underscoring its national significance for milestone commemorations.
52 Places to Go (The New York Times), 2025
The city was also featured in The New York Times’ “52 Places to Go in 2025”, reinforcing its global appeal as a cultural and travel destination.
