Sustainability and growth define the Basque Country’s conference tourism
A destination blending heritage, efficiency and creativity at the heart of meeting tourism
The Basque Country has established a congress offering founded on sustainability, innovation and top-quality infrastructure. With a network of congress centres and versatile venues, not to mention its rich cultural and culinary heritage, the destination ranks among Europe’s leading MICE tourism hubs. Furthermore, its commitment to the environment and strategic outlook make it a unique destination where every professional gathering creates value on a global scale. The region has transformed its organisational capabilities into a holistic experience that combines efficient facilities with the charm of its three iconic cities. Bilbao, San Sebastián and Vitoria-Gasteiz each offer complementary perspectives with one common goal: to provide settings where innovation, sustainability and hospitality thrive together. Bilbao firmly makes a name for itself as a benchmark for conference tourism in southern Europe. Its commitment to sustainability ranks it among the top cities for hosting events. Venues such as the Euskalduna Palace and the Bilbao Exhibition Centre demonstrate the Basque capital’s capacity to host large-scale events without compromising energy efficiency or its integration with the urban landscape. In San Sebastián, the Kursaal Congress Centre and Miramar Palace blend cutting-edge architecture with exceptional management. The city has expertly merged its cultural heritage with a thriving and diverse conference scene, where technical excellence is matched by an outstanding natural setting with no shortage of top-class gastronomic options. The event-related services boost the image of a destination that embraces innovation as a key part of its identity.
Vitoria-Gasteiz, a trailblazer in urban sustainability, brings a balanced and tranquil perspective to the region. Its congress venues stand out for their efficient design, underscoring the destination’s commitment to ecotourism and environmental responsibility. Their focus on all things digital and attracting top international events reveals a clear strategy: growth without compromising authenticity. Between Bilbao’s modernity, San Sebastián’s elegance and Vitoria-Gasteiz’s sustainable nature, the Basque Country’s offer strikes the perfect balance between competitiveness, sustainability and culture. An invitation to bring business with experience together, hosting congresses in a place that is inspiring as much as it is welcoming. Location Bilbao, San Sebastián and Vitoria-Gasteiz are situated in northern Spain. Bilbao has an international airport, a seaport, not to mention an extensive rail network. San Sebastián is connected by motorway and train, with nearby airports in Bilbao and Biarritz. Meanwhile, Vitoria-Gasteiz is accessible via motorway, long-distance train and airport.