This year’s delegate surveys show that Gothenburg continues to stand strong as an international meeting city. Visitors particularly highlight the city’s attractive environments, walkability and positive atmosphere. The insights are based, among other things, on experiences from one of the largest conferences in recent years, with over 7,000 participants, and provide a foundation for the continued development of Gothenburg as a congress destination.

To further develop Gothenburg as a meeting destination, annual surveys are conducted among visitors to the city’s largest congresses. This year’s are based on 585 personal interviews, with an even gender split, hosted at the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre, where delegates stayed an average of 4 days.

The city’s environments and experiences are appreciated by visitors

98 per cent of respondents are satisfied with their stay in Gothenburg, indicating that the city’s high satisfaction level has remained stable for the tenth consecutive year. The experience of the city’s natural areas aligns with previous measurements, while the range of attractions is perceived as stronger than in the most recent survey. Comments show that many delegates appreciate Gothenburg’s walkability and urban environment, with architecture, waterside settings, and green parks often highlighted as particularly positive features. Culture and sights also play an important role, with museums, the district Haga, and boat tours mentioned as highlights. The city’s atmosphere is also emphasised, with several describing Gothenburg as a “cosy city”, “calm and peaceful” and a “beautiful city”, reinforcing the overall impression of the stay.

The whole city is working in harmony

When one of the largest international congresses in recent years was held, it became clear that the city’s capacity delivers across the board – both inside the congress venue and throughout the city. For many delegates, the congress itself is the highlight of their stay, making the facilities, technology and service crucial to the experience. This year’s results show that satisfaction with the equipment and functionality of congress venues has increased, while service, hospitality and food continue to maintain a very high standard. The conference was felt across the entire city, and infrastructure, hotels and meeting venues worked efficiently together, contributing to the positive feedback from delegates.

Scope for longer evenings and easier navigation

Although the majority of delegates describe their stay in Gothenburg as positive, there are areas with development potential. Several notes, as in previous years, that restaurants and bars close earlier than expected, and that longer opening hours after congress days could enhance delegates’ evening experiences.
Some delegates also report that it can be difficult to navigate public transport when information is mainly available in Swedish, and that the Västtrafik app is perceived by some as difficult to use.

Perceptions of sustainability and travel

More delegates than before perceive Gothenburg as a sustainable meeting destination. Positive trends are also seen in travel to the city, with an increased share of delegates using the airport coach.
Short distances and efficient public transport are viewed positively, making it easy for delegates to get around. At the same time, earlier feedback shows that payment systems and information in more languages could be developed to further enhance the experience for international visitors.

Returning visitors

Many delegates would consider returning to Gothenburg for a similar congress, and more than before express a desire to return privately. This shows that the overall impression among delegates remains strong, both as a meeting city and as a visitor destination.

Delegate survey in brief:

• Total number of delegates during the period: 13,180
• Number of interviews conducted: 585
• Share of visiting delegates: 92 per cent, from 106 countries
• Gender distribution: 49 per cent women and 51 per cent men, average age 43
• Accommodation: 95 per cent stay in hotels, the most common length of stay is four days
• Satisfaction (per cent): overall stay 98, service and hospitality 98, meeting venue 97, hotel stay 91, attractions 97

Source: Research One

Göteborg & Co conducts surveys annually at congresses and events in Gothenburg. Delegate surveys are carried out as personal interviews during ongoing congresses. The purpose is to map participant profiles, measure impressions of Gothenburg and identify areas for development. The results provide an indication of how Gothenburg performs as a meeting city.