San Sebastián

San Sebastian Convention Bureau leads the strategy to consolidate the city’s position as a national and international destination for high-value professional events. Since 1988, it has supported bids, carried out sales and promotional activities, organised site inspections and worked closely with a strong network of specialised local companies. It is also a member of leading industry networks and associations including ICCA, CityDNA, SCB and OPCE Euskadi.

An international congress destination: San Sebastian continues to strengthen its position as a destination for leading professional events. According to ICCA, it ranks 7th in Spain for international congresses. More than half of the congresses held in the city are international, many of them linked to strategic fields such as biosciences, nanoscience, advanced materials, energy, quantum technologies and medicine.

Passion for Knowledge: San Sebastian is firmly established as an international hub for science and innovation, with 124 innovative companies, 6,800 specialised professionals, four universities, Europe’s first IBM Quantum System Two, and recognition as a 2024 City of Science and Innovation by Spain’s Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. This ecosystem is further strengthened by the Quantum Mile, a science and technology route on the EHU Gipuzkoa Campus that showcases the city’s leadership in quantum research and technologies.

Enbaxadore Programme: Led by Donostia San Sebastián Turismoa Convention Bureau together with the Kursaal Congress Centre, this programme recognises researchers and professionals who act as ambassadors for the city, promoting events related to their areas of expertise. Since 2012, nearly one hundred professionals have joined this strategic network dedicated to attracting congresses to the city.

Sustainable events with a lasting legacy: Every event is an opportunity to create value, attract talent and knowledge, foster new collaborations and generate a positive impact on the city and its ecosystem. MICE tourism is integrated into Gurera (https://donostiagurera.eus/es/), San Sebastian’s tourism management model, which places residents’ well-being at its core and promotes events capable of leaving a lasting legacy.

A sustainable, human-scale city: San Sebastian is a welcoming city of 190,000 inhabitants, safe and accessible, set between the sea and the mountains. Its compact size, range of services, green spaces and efficient public transport make it easy to experience events in a convenient, connected and environmentally responsible way.

Basque culture and gastronomy: San Sebastian embodies the essence of Basque culture, an identity with ancient roots centred around the Basque language, Euskara, and traditions that remain very much alive today. At the same time, the city continues to strengthen its gastronomic leadership through the Basque Culinary Center and GOe, an international hub for culinary innovation, education and research.

Ultimately, San Sebastian is a competitive, inspiring and committed MICE destination, offering the perfect balance of distinctive venues, cutting-edge infrastructure, high-quality professional services, specialised knowledge, authentic experiences and a unique setting between the sea and the mountains.