New research confirms added value and appreciation for Bruges as a conference destination

24 Dec 2025

Highest distinction for Bruges as a conference city! A recent survey by Tourism Flanders, in which Bruges and six other Flemish conference cities participated from September 2024 to July 2025, shows that conference organisers give our city a score of no less than 9.5/10. Conference participants also appreciate Bruges as a conference destination, with a high overall satisfaction rating of 8.9/10. Just under 1,000 participants and 31 organisers from key source markets were surveyed in the conference study.

The compact, people-friendly city where all locations are within walking distance, the historic charm of the UNESCO World Heritage city, modern facilities, hospitality, attention to sustainability and a wide range of leisure activities appeal to both organisers and participants. A large proportion of conference participants therefore go on gastronomic discoveries (60%), enjoy museums (53%) and culture (16%), go shopping (49%) and explore the city via one of the tourist transport options (22%).

The conference survey in figures:

Conference venue: 8.8/10
Catering: 7.9/10
Social programme: 8.3/10
Friendliness of the population: 8.6/10
Tourist attractions and activities: 8.5/10
Accommodation: 8/10
Food and drink: 8.1/10
Accessibility: 8.2/10
City as a leisure destination: 8.6
11% of conference participants extend their stay by an average of 2 nights. This is the bleisure trend.
85% of all conference participants indicate that they are likely or very likely to visit Bruges again in the future.

I appreciated the hospitality at De Halve Maan Brewery, as well as the friendliness of everyone during the conference and in the city itself.
In the end, we chose Bruges because of the conference centre – its size and functionality, and its proximity to the medieval city were decisive factors.
The delegates still refer to that conference as the best edition ever – we combined the intimacy of the location with the charm of the city of Bruges.
The BMCC is strongly committed to sustainability and accessibility... a green roof, beehives on the roof — they really do everything possible for the environment.

The team at Visit Bruges Convention Bureau in Madeleine in Bruges

The Visit Bruges Convention Bureau team takes care of everything for you when organising your conference

The approach of the Visit Bruges Convention Bureau also plays a key role in the choice of destination. The city's official convention bureau links supply and demand. Thanks to its professional and personal approach, organisers experience Bruges as a reliable partner city.

Visit Bruges Convention Bureau was incredibly helpful, professional and very supportive. They gave us a list of hotels and venues and took us on location visits when the organisers came to visit... We have held conferences in other destinations, and there, working with the convention bureau is like pulling a cart that won't roll.

Organisers and participants agree on the strengths. The historic character and compactness of the city promote a relaxed atmosphere and positive conference experience. The tourist attractions of this UNESCO World Heritage city make conferences memorable.

New research confirms added value and appreciation for Bruges as a conference destination

I appreciated the hospitality at De Halve Maan Brewery, as well as the friendliness of everyone during the conference and in the city itself.

In the end, we chose Bruges because of the conference centre – its size and functionality, and its proximity to the medieval city were decisive factors.

The delegates still refer to that conference as the best edition ever – we combined the intimacy of the location with the charm of the city of Bruges.

The BMCC is strongly committed to sustainability and accessibility... a green roof, beehives on the roof — they really do everything possible for the environment.

The Visit Bruges Convention Bureau team takes care of everything for you when organising your conference