Business Tourism and Conferences

Versilia is the name given to a long stretch of the Tuscan coast characterized by its fine sand. As well as the area’s most important town, Viareggio, this stretch of coastline is also famous for its coastal pine woods, its typical small harbors and the well-known annual Carnival parade. Many cultural events are held here throughout the year and the area is known for its unique architectural style which is a mix of eighteenth century style buildings, Liberty and contemporary architecture. This area attracts not only tourists from all over the world, but also those traveling on business. In fact, business visitors to Versilia can take advantage of the well-equipped sea front Congress Center (Centro Congressi) and the numerous conference halls and exhibition spaces available, which make this the ideal location for events throughout the year.

Elba Island is home to the congress center Palazzo dei Congressi di Marciana Marina and the Cultural Center (Centro Culturale) “De Laugier” in Portoferraio, as well as several other congress facilities. The island itself is famous for its clear blue sea, its beautiful beaches, its stunning small hillside towns, its many hotels and the delicious flavors of traditional local fare. The island a corner of paradise waiting to be discovered.

 

Spa towns

Montecatini is a small town which has grown up around the natural thermal springs and which is often home to important artistic and cultural events. Montecatini is also one of the capitals of Italian business tourism. The town boasts a congress village made up of three highly equipped business facilities: the Imperiale Congressi, Palazzo dei Congressi and Vittoria Centro Congressi. Visitors are guaranteed a warm, professional welcome. The experience is completed with a visit to the Spa Park (Parco delle Terme) or with a relaxing stroll through the center of town. Montecatini is also home to many elegant shops, excellent restaurants and well stocked wine cellars.

Chianciano is a secluded, peaceful town, far from the bustle of city life and with a backdrop of stunning natural beauty such as the nearby Val d’Orcia. This town combines its beautiful surrounding countryside and the goodness of its natural thermal springs to make it the ideal place for business meetings and conferences. The Palazzetto dello Sport, the town’s sport’s center, is able to host large congresses thanks to its huge conference hall, meeting rooms and exhibition space. There is also the Parco dell’Acquasanta which boasts several well equipped meeting rooms.

 

A look at the statistics:

- In 2007, two and a half million business people came to Tuscany for conferences and congresses

- There were 13 thousand congresses in 2007 with an average of 95 people attending each one

- In descending order, the busiest months for business tourism to Tuscany are: June, November, April, May, September, March and October

- Tuscany is home to a total of 933 conference halls, 1031 meeting rooms, 368 exhibition spaces and 188 congress centers