Ljubljana Once Again Among the Top Congress Destinations

Revija Kongres in Conventa sta sinoči v Cankarjevem domu že šestnajstič podelili nagrade Kongresna zvezda (Meetings Star Award) za najboljše kongresne destinacije, kongresne hotele in centre ter posebna prizorišča. Te med organizatorji dogodkov uživajo velik ugled, saj temeljijo na edinstvenem, poglobljenem in neodvisnem sistemu ocenjevanja.

Kakovost destinacij mednarodni ocenjevalci presojajo na podlagi analize več kot 75 kakovostih kriterijev. Tokrat so ocenili 149 destinacij iz 34 držav v štirih različnih kategorijah glede na število udeležencev, ki jih lahko destinacija sprejme brez logističnih in organizacijskih zapletov. Ljubljana je med 32 destinacijami, ki lahko gostijo do 2.000 kongresnih udeležencev, zasedla drugo mesto. Za 0,01 točke je zaostala le za poljskim Krakovom, ob tem pa dosegla najvišjo oceno do zdaj (4,55 od 5). To potrjuje stalen napredek Ljubljane kot kongresne destinacije in njeno vse večjo privlačnost za organizatorje dogodkov. Slovenska prestolnica se že leta strateško razvija kot destinacija za mednarodna srečanja. Svojo konkurenčno prednost gradi na združevanju ključnih in strateških partnerjev v konzorciju Kongresnega urada Ljubljane pri Turizmu Ljubljana, ki se večkrat letno srečujejo in z usklajenim delovanjem krepijo uspešnost pri privabljanju mednarodnih dogodkov v mesto. Da Ljubljana spada med vodilne kongresne destinacije v širšem evropskem in svetovnem merilu, potrjuje tudi njena uvrstitev na lestvici Mednarodnega združenja kongresov in konvencij ICCA na 39. mesto v svetovni in 23. v evropski konkurenci mest.

Each year, Conventa organisers present the Conventa Hall of Fame award to individuals whose contributions have left a lasting mark and significantly influenced the development of the meetings industry and Conventa itself. This year, the expert jury awarded the recognition to Ms Petra Stušek, MSc, Director of Ljubljana Tourism, for her pioneering strategic direction, exceptional international engagement, and long-term impact on the development of Ljubljana as a recognised and respected meetings industry destination.

In its justification, the jury highlighted that under the leadership of Ms Stušek and her team, Ljubljana has established itself as an open, trustworthy and internationally relevant hub for professional networking, and as one of the key centres of the meetings industry in New Europe. As a co-creator of Conventa’s strategic development, she made a decisive contribution to its long-term vision and international orientation, as well as to Ljubljana’s timely and thoughtful integration into the most important international networks, associations and discussions within the meetings industry. Through active engagement in international organisations and professional bodies - including serving as President of the Board of City Destinations Alliance (2019–2024) and as a member of the Advisory Board of the European Tourism Association (ETOA) - she enabled Ljubljana to become an equal interlocutor in shaping key industry directions and strategies. With a professional, inclusive and visionary approach, supported by an exceptional team, she has significantly strengthened the understanding of targeted destination promotion and enhanced Ljubljana’s international recognition. At the same time, she has remained committed to Conventa’s pioneering role, particularly in promoting regenerative thinking and sustainable practices.

The 18th Conventa trade show, taking place in Ljubljana from 10 to 12 February 2026, serves as the central platform for connecting event organisers, destinations, suppliers and buyers from the New Europe region. Ljubljana Tourism participates as one of the key partners of the organisers - the Slovenian Convention Bureau and Toleranca Marketing - actively contributing to the development and promotion of Ljubljana as an important international meetings industry destination.