Antwerp’s shines in new Flanders research

Conventions delivering benefits for business and residents of Antwerp

Fresh organiser and delegate research for Flanders confirms Antwerp’s strong performance as a conference city, with particular praise for conference venues, accessibility, and a visitor offering with high satisfaction levels.  The findings point to benefits that reach far beyond tourism, from knowledge exchange to networking and sector growth.

Key findings

• A leader in accessibility and quality - Antwerp performed strongly on accessibility, experience, sustainability and venue quality. Organisers and participants highlight the city’s international connectivity and its convenient, walkable layout.

• Spending adds up for the local economy - Conference participants and organisers generate more than €1,000 in direct spending per visitor within Antwerp’s hospitality and event sector. This includes venue rental, technical support, catering and transport. Delegates who extend their stay nearly double their expenses. 

• Venues and locations win praise - Antwerp additionally stands out for its conference venues. Of all Flemish conference cities, Antwerp achieved the highest score for venue quality: 9 out of 10. A Room with a ZOO, the conference centre at Antwerp Zoo, is particularly popular, with its next-door location to the central station considered a significant advantage. 

• Personality shines through - Congress participants appreciate the friendliness of the people of Antwerp, the high-quality hotel offering, and the blend of professional and cultural experiences. They describe Antwerp as “friendly, well organised, and a culinary surprise.” More than 30% of international participants want to return to the city for leisure.

• Convention bureau support is a difference maker - Organisers consistently praise the hands on help they receive, from bid support to civic receptions and site visits. Recent anecdotal feedback includes a perfect “11 out of 10” for destination support, underlining how professional support converts interest into confirmed business. 

What this means for Antwerp

Access and sector strength drive decisions - Organisers choose Antwerp because it is easy to reach, especially by train, and because it aligns with key industries, notably ports and logistics and strong university links. These assets make it a credible, convenient and compelling choice when associations rotate across Europe.

Quality of experience fuels advocacy - Delegates value Antwerp’s compact centre, lively culture and simple movement between venues and social spaces. In effect, the city is your venue, and that seamless experience translates into strong word of mouth and intent to return. 

Benefits go beyond visitor spend - Conferences connect local universities and clusters with global peers, accelerate knowledge exchange, and open doors for students and early career professionals through discounted access and scholarships. Organisers are also leaning into diversity, accessibility and inclusion, which strengthens Antwerp’s international profile and community impact.

The Antwerp Convention Bureau (ACB) plays a strategic role by attracting international conferences that align with the city’s key sectors. In doing so, Antwerp positions itself as an innovative and future-oriented conference destination, where expertise, tailor-made support, and city-wide ambitions come together.

Tadeja Pivc Coudyser, CEO of Antwerp Convention Bureau said:  “With an average score of 9 out of 10 for our venues and more than 30% of visitors wanting to return, this research shows that Antwerp is not only a strong conference destination, but also a city that creates lasting impact. Our goal is not just to bring conferences to Antwerp, but to offer them an experience that truly resonates. We believe every conference here can contribute to the city, its residents, and its international reputation. Thanks to the close cooperation between our partners, Tourism Flanders and the City of Antwerp, we are able to provide a level of service that is internationally recognised as a benchmark.”

About the research

The findings draw on Visit Flanders’ 2025 programme of organiser interviews and delegate surveys covering events held between September 2024 and July 2025. Independent agency Strategic Research and Insight conducted 31 in-depth organiser interviews and coordinated delegate fieldwork across the region.

The original research is available here - https://toerismevlaanderen.be/nl/cijfers/onderzoek/congressen-events