Investments and development drive the growth of convention tourism in Andalusia

Andalusia has taken a key step to establish itself as an international leader in MICE tourism, with investments to modernize its venues, new promotion strategies, and increasingly robust transport links. From Seville to Málaga, Cádiz, Córdoba, and Granada, the region is reinforcing its capacity to attract conferences and professional events, based on renovated infrastructure, a diverse hotel offering and an environment that enhances its appeal. Transforming infrastructure Andalusian MICE tourism is ever progressing with an ambitious investment plan to renew the community’s main venues. In Seville, the Conference and Exhibition Center has undertaken improvements worth half a million euros, including the renovation of the floor in pavilion 2, roof waterproofing, and updates to the security and access systems. In Cádiz, the Conference Center has undergone renovation works totaling nearly one million euros, aimed at restoring the building’s glass roof, reinforcing the metal structure, and improving its energy efficiency with solar-control glass. Córdoba has scaled up its offering with the opening of the Exhibition, Fair and Convention Center, enabling it to bid for major events. Granada has launched the “Contigo Somos Mucho Más” initiative (“Together We’re Much More”), aiming to utilize its fairgrounds all year round in collaboration with various companies and institutions. In Málaga, the Fair and Conference Center (FYCMA) enhances its position with a program of professional fairs and major international congresses, establishing itself as one of the main business venues in Southern Europe.

Auditorium 1 spans over 10,000 ft2 with capacity for up to 950 people, making it the largest auditorium at the Málaga Fair and Conference Center © FYCMA

A growing hotel sector Andalusia’s MICE appeal relies on a hotel network capable of catering to events of all types. State-of-the-art urban hotels coexist with monumental establishments, luxury resorts by the sea, Paradores, and charming inns. Quality is one of this region’s main assets: around 75% of its five-star hotels are located in Málaga alone, while Seville presents new hotel establishments to strengthen its capacities. This diversity provides organizers and attendees with a wide range of options throughout the area. Strategic transport links In addition to the quality of the spaces and hotels, Andalusia’s transport links offer the region an advantage over other destinations. This area enjoys one of the most extensive high-speed rail networks in the world, connecting cities such as Seville, Córdoba, Málaga, and Granada with the country’s main hubs—primarily with the capital. It also features five international airports and seven ports, which welcome 700 ships and more than 800,000 passengers annually. Following significant investments, Seville Airport has expanded its network to reach around a hundred international connections, reinforcing its role as a gateway for MICE tourism.