October 28th, 2024

Global DMC Partners Releases 2024 Global Destination Index

As industry strengthens and expands, GDP shares top meetings and incentives destinations for 2024

Global DMC Partners, the largest global network of independent Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and specialized event service providers, has unveiled its 2024 Global Destination Index, highlighting the most popular meeting and incentive destinations around the world. The listing is based on leads and RFPs received for programs happening in 2024 across GDP’s worldwide DMC partners.

The Top 10 MICE Destinations for 2024 ranked as follows:

Top 10 U.S.

Top 10 International

1. Chicago, IL                       

1.  Paris, France

2. Washington, D.C.

2. Barcelona, Spain

3. New York, NY

3. Amsterdam, Netherlands

4. Las Vegas, NV

4. London, England

5. Nashville, TN 

5. Lisbon, Portugal

6. Dallas, TX       

6. Athens, Greece

7. Miami, FL  

7. Madrid, Spain

8. Orlando, FL                 

8. Vienna, Austria

9. Austin, TX

9. Rome, Italy

10. San Diego, CA

10. Berlin, Germany


Catherine Chaulet, Global DMC Partners

“It’s interesting to see the new destinations that have made this year’s list, as well as the changing order in popularity of the top 10, particularly as our industry is a great indicator of the world’s economic strength and where the most business is being done,” said Global DMC Partners President and CEO Catherine Chaulet. “We’ve also seen an increased interest in secondary destinations with an uptick in leads for 2024 or 2025, as compared to prior years.”

“Our partners are sharing insights with us about the popularity of the French Riviera; for example, groups can land in Nice and within half an hour be in Monaco on one side and in Cannes on the other side. These three key cities offer great event infrastructure and amazing hotels, surrounded by picture-perfect villages, boutique hotels, and vineyards,” continued Chaulet.

“A partner in Spain shared the increased interest they’ve seen in cities such as Málaga, Sevilla and Valencia. With seasonal daily direct flights from New York, and the opening of stylish 4- and 5-star hotels in its charming city center, Málaga has risen to the top of the rankings for hosting small to medium-sized groups in Spain. As the Green European Capital 2024, Valencia is gaining recognition for its excellent value and versatility as an event destination, with competitively priced hotels and unique venues. And last, but not least, Sevilla stands out as one of Spain's premier MICE destinations for 2024, blending traditional charm with cutting-edge venues, ideal for events of any size, particularly large congresses and conferences.”

Additional top secondary destinations include:

  • Japan
  • Hawaii
  • Costa Rica
  • Saint Lucia
  • Emilia-Romagna Region in Italy (Bologna, Parma and Modena)
  • Greek Islands including Corfu, Aegina and Milos
  • Midwestern U.S. cities such as Minneapolis, Kansas City and Louisville