Consultia Business Travel claims they are overtaking the two traditional Spanish cities Madrid and Barcelona
Valencia, Spain
Valencia, Spain Ari Spada on Unsplash

Valencia and Malaga have been recognised as Spain’s top business destinations, surpassing traditional hubs like Madrid and Barcelona. Previously, Spain’s two largest cities dominated the corporate meetings and events sector, according to Consultia Business Travel, a Spanish company specialising in comprehensive business travel management and consultancy.

Valencia has experienced substantial growth in several areas, bringing it closer to the capacities and attractions of Madrid and Barcelona. The Valencian capital has notably enhanced its flight connectivity, increasing both domestic and international routes.

This improvement makes it easier for tourists and event participants to travel from various parts of the world. Additionally, the city has expanded its hotel offerings, with options ranging from luxury accommodations to more budget-friendly choices. As a result, Valencia can now accommodate a larger number of visitors and provide a variety of alternatives to suit different budgets.

Valencia also boasts a wide array of event infrastructure. In recent years, the city has developed several contemporary and versatile venues suitable for various types of events, including congresses, exhibitions, and festivals.

Notably, Valencia is home to iconic venues such as the Palacio de Congresos, one of the city’s most modern and functional spaces, ideal for large conferences and business events.

Also noteworthy is the City of Arts and Sciences, an architectural and cultural complex that provides a range of innovative and captivating spaces for events. All of these improvements have made Valencia an increasingly appealing destination for both tourists and event organisers.

Malaga’s growing technology sector

Meanwhile, Malaga is emerging as a major hub in Spain, particularly in the technology and investment sectors. The city is being likened to Spain’s version of Silicon Valley – a region south of San Francisco known for hosting major tech companies like Google, Apple, and Tesla. Malaga is attracting significant investment in technology, which is boosting the local economy and establishing the city as a centre of innovation and entrepreneurship.

In this context, Malaga has attracted significant investments that are driving new infrastructure development and enhancing the quality of life. This not only draws tourists but also appeals to professionals and companies seeking to establish themselves in a vibrant and promising environment.

A key factor in the growth of both Valencia and Málaga has been the efforts of the local Convention Bureaus, according to Consultia Business Travel. These organisations, which function as tourism offices specialising in promoting the city for events, have played a crucial role in this development.

The "Convention Bureau" plays a crucial role in promoting the city as a prime destination for congresses, meetings, and events. They support event organisers by offering information, advice, and logistical assistance, including venue selection and permit arrangements.

Convention Bureaus also collaborate closely with hotels, convention centres, transport companies, and other suppliers to ensure seamless event execution. They stay updated on the latest trends in the events sector and strive to incorporate innovations that enhance the city’s competitiveness and appeal.