Why Europe May Be the Smarter Choice for Your Next Corporate Meeting
Insights from the Fox Meetings and Incentives Team at Fox World Travel
While the United States boasts many incredible cities for meetings and events—Las Vegas, Boston, Chicago, and beyond—it’s important not to overlook the growing value of exploring international options. Expanding your search to include European destinations doesn’t mean compromising on quality. In fact, it may be the key to delivering high-impact events with a more budget-friendly price tag than you might expect.
With corporate meeting expenses in the U.S. reaching record highs, businesses are turning to Europe for relief—and results. New data shows that hosting meetings or incentive trips in destinations like Italy can save companies up to 31% compared to similar events in top U.S. cities, including Las Vegas and Boston.
With countries like Spain and Portugal offering similar cost advantages to Italy, the case for looking overseas has never been stronger.
Breaking Down the Cost Gap: Las Vegas & Boston vs. Europe
Let’s compare a five-day corporate meeting for 60 people in Las Vegas or Boston to the same event in Italy:
A/V Rentals
- U.S. average: $7,000+ per day
- Italy and other European destinations: Up to 80% less
Catering Costs (per person, including taxes & service fees)
- Breakfast: $60 (U.S.) vs. $20 (Europe)
- Lunch: $80 (U.S.) vs. $30 (Europe)
- Dinner: $120 (U.S.) vs. $50 (Europe)
Even with transatlantic airfare averaging $1,300 per person, compared to $450 for a domestic flight to Las Vegas or Boston, the overall cost of meetings in Europe remains significantly lower once venue, accommodations, meals, and services are factored in.
Italy, Spain & Portugal: Standout Destinations for Maximum Value
Italy
Timeless beauty, historic venues, and world-class hospitality make Italy a premier choice. From Rome to Florence to Lake Como, Italy offers luxurious experiences at surprisingly affordable prices.
Spain
Cities like Barcelona and Madrid combine stunning venues with vibrant culture. Networking over tapas, strolling Gothic streets between sessions—Spain elevates your meeting while lowering your spend.
Portugal
Often overlooked but incredibly cost-effective, Portugal’s Lisbon and Porto offer top-tier meeting infrastructure, coastal views, and exceptional value. Plus, the cuisine and charm are unmatched.
More Than Just Savings—A Strategic Advantage
Shifting your meeting abroad isn’t just about the bottom line. It’s also about:
- Boosting engagement with immersive, inspiring environments
- Delivering higher ROI through reduced per-attendee costs
- Providing unforgettable experiences that enhance attendee retention and morale
Even modest-sized meetings can generate $15,000 or more in savings, which can be reallocated to enhance programming, reward top performers, or support business development.
Let’s Talk Global Strategy
As U.S. hotel prices continue to climb, with no sign of slowing, now is the time to explore smarter, globally minded event solutions. The Fox Meetings and Incentives team is here to help you plan, source, and deliver high-impact events across Europe.
Contact us today to learn how much your team could save—and gain—by taking your next meeting to Europe.
Sources:
Executive Travel, Inc. (2025) Shocking Price Gap: Hosting Meetings in Italy Now 30% Cheaper Than in the U.S.
U.S. Travel Association. (2024) Meeting and Convention Industry Trends Report
STR Global. (2025) U.S. Hotel Rate Trends and Forecasts for Major Markets
Statista. (2024) Average Daily Hotel Rates by City in the U.S. and Europe
