New Research Highlights the Economic Value of International Conferences

International conferences make a substantial contribution to urban economies and societal development. This is the conclusion of a new joint study by The Hague & Partners, Rotterdam Partners and Utrecht & Partners, conducted by research agency Ecorys. For the first time in years, the study provides up-to-date evidence of the economic impact of international conference delegates, showing an average expenditure of €637.38 per person, per conference day within the Dutch economy.

Up-to-Date Insights

Until now, the economic impact of conferences has largely been calculated using national benchmark figures dating back to 2014, which estimated that conference delegates spent €389 per day. These outdated figures no longer reflect the realities of today’s international meetings market. As no updated national figures are expected until 2027, the participating organisations took the initiative to commission new research.

Key Findings

The study shows that the average international conference delegate spends €737.04 per person per conference day. As part of these expenditures—such as international travel costs and expenses related to visas and travel documents—is incurred outside the Netherlands, the amount that directly benefits the Dutch economy is €637.38 per person per conference day.

These updated figures underline the significant economic value of international conferences and provide a far more accurate picture than the national benchmark figures from 2014.

The findings also show that international conference delegates typically stay in the host city for several days and spend a large share of their budget locally. As a result, they contribute to employment and economic growth across sectors including hospitality, accommodation, transport and business services.

Broad Relevance for Policy and Industry

The research provides valuable insights for a wide range of stakeholders, including local, regional and national governments, destination marketing organisations, and industry partners such as hotels and conference venues. The findings offer a robust foundation for policy development, accountability and future investment decisions related to conference attraction strategies. With these new figures, cities and their partners now have an up-to-date and reliable basis for demonstrating and maximising the economic value of international conferences.