Short haul event destinations for 2023
2022 was our first full year ‘post-Covid’ and corporate events are definitely back with a bang. Now that we’re in the new year, plans for 2023 sales conferences, team building trips, product launches, incentive travel, corporate meetings, and more are well underway.
One thing we are asked frequently is, ‘what are the hottest short-haul event destinations for 2023?’ So, we unwrapped the crystal ball, and here are our predictions.
First, let’s take a look back at 2022, Western Europe definitely dominated the destination league table, with Spain home to four of the top nine cities chosen by ‘Event Travel Management (ETM) clients for events. Why? We put it down to the three Cs – connectivity, culture and cost.
All of the cities on 2022’s league table are easy to get to from within and outside Europe, making them perfect for local and global business events. They’ve got amazing cultures, too, which is inspiring creatively for our team and provides something fresh and new for delegates to enjoy. Cities with an abundance of culture and history also make brilliant ‘bleisure’ spots for delegates who fancy hanging around post-event and this naturally ups the event’s return on experience. And when it comes to cost, there is great value to be had in all of these destinations.
Top short haul event destination spots this year
Based on client requests combined with insight from our expert corporate events teams, we are going all out and predicting six countries – in no particular order – will be fighting for the top short-haul event destinations spot this time next year.
Spain – best for incentive trips
In theory, Spain remains on the list for 2023, but this time we’re talking specifically about Majorca. With sunny days 80% of the year, rich culture and beautiful nature, it’s a brilliant destination for incentive trips. Majorca has breathtaking beaches, the stunning Serra de Tramuntana Mountain range, olive groves, vineyards and everything in between, giving visitors (and event attendees) loads of activities to choose from. The island is also incredibly well-connected with direct and daily flights from all major European airports.
Ireland – historic hero
From enjoying the craic in Dublin to staying in a five-star castle, tapping your feet to an impromptu jamming session in a Galway bar, enjoying the historic buzz of Cork City to hiking along its rugged coastline, Ireland has it all. According to Meet in Ireland, ‘Ireland offers complete ease of access, too, while our stunning locations are a unique selling point … we boast a rich tapestry of experiences, woven together by history, natural beauty and culture.’
The country also ranks at number 10 on the global sustainability index, which can help to contribute towards your organisation’s sustainability strategy and commitments.
Portugal – the award-winner
Decades ago, Portugal was best known for its Algarve beaches. These days, the gastro delights of Lisbon and Porto are more likely to dominate the conversation. With this combination of stunning seasides and culture-rich cities – as well as the abundance of activities it offers (from golf to wine tasting, gastronomy and heritage tours) and year-round sunshine – it’s no wonder that Portugal has won so many tourism awards including Leading Europe Destination, Best Insular Destination and World’s Leading.
Monaco – the surprisingly affordable spot
If ever there was a country that espouses the glamour, aspiration and extravagance of a James Bond film, that country is Monaco: playground to the rich and famous. Monaco is home to high-end hotels and the hottest health and well-being facilities around. It’s brilliantly located for guests from all over the world, boasts a very pleasant climate with 300 days of sunshine each year and English is widely spoken. And yet, in spite of all these incredible attributes, it offers great value for groups and is no more expensive than any other major city in Europe.
Denmark – sustainability star
Denmark is the second happiest country in the world and its capital Copenhagen is the fifth happiest city. The Scandinavian destination offers visitors easy access points and excellent connections. According to Visit Denmark, it is, ‘renowned for its innovative spirit, sustainable solutions and high standard of living,’ making it ‘an excellent location for conferences, corporate meetings, business events and incentive travel.’
What’s more, Copenhagen is the third most sustainable city in the world, and the world’s most sustainable capital city, according to the latest Global Destination Sustainability Index. The beautiful European city has an ambitious policy to become the first carbon-neutral capital by 2030 and is committed to driving the sustainable tourism agenda forward.
Morocco – specifically Marrakech
There’s no doubt that Morocco, and Marrakech in particular – while already a popular tourist and events destination – won the hearts of millions around the world thanks to the success of the country’s football team making it to the semi-final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The country has also risen in popularity among ETM clients, too, who are loving the beauty, culture, uniqueness and affordability of the North African destination, as well as its accessibility (from the UK alone, five airlines fly to Marrakech) and amazing climate, with temperatures rarely dropping below 18 degrees in winter and rising to mid-late 30s in August.