Cannes once again voted “best destination in the world for festivals and events”

With 150 receptions per year in its convention center, the city of Cannes (Alpes-Maritimes) was elected, for the third consecutive year, “best destination in the world for festivals and events” during the tourism Oscars organized on Sunday, in Madeira. Cannes beat big cities like Barcelona, ​​London, Singapore and Sydney for this symbolic award, which reflects the attraction of the Cannes site, built by the sea and inaugurated in December 1982.

The Palais des Festivals in Cannes is occupied 320 days a year, half for cultural events and the other half for various trade shows and conventions. In addition to the famous international film festival in May, the “Cannes Lions” is also a major event with nearly 85,000 people. The real estate market (MIPIM), that devoted to yachts or even artificial intelligence, also attract many professionals from the sectors concerned each year. The “NRJ Music Awards”, the “Cannes series”, the international board games festival, or even festive events such as the “Electronic Beaches” in summer, are among the other cultural events which serve as showcases for the commune and at the palace.

1 billion euros in benefits

This activity and these visits would have made it possible to generate nearly a billion euros in economic benefits, according to the management of the Palais des Festivals, which also reports hotel occupancy up by 4%. If Mayor David Lisnard prided himself on a “historic hat-trick”the president of the palace Jean-Michel Arnard spoke “a recognition that forces us to push our limits to continue to welcome the world sustainably”.

After 3.3 million euros invested in 2024 to improve its facilities, a program of “bigger work” is coming in 2025, management says. This year, the Jean-Mineur auditorium was renovated and a new immersive sound system was installed in the large Louis-Lumière room. In total, the Cannes palace has 55 modular spaces.