Sydney has again maintained its status as Australia’s number one international meeting destination, according to the most recent report from the Union of International Associations (UIA).

The report, which tracks the number of international meetings held in business event destinations around the world, saw Sydney maintain its domestic dominance, and also revealed that the city had climbed back into the top 20 in the global rankings.

UIA ranks cities according to three separate categories and Sydney enjoyed upwards movement in all categories:

• Ranking according to international events hosted: Sydney ranked 14th in the world with 105 meetings (ranked 24th last year)
• Ranking according to international events as well as events of “international character” (3 days): Sydney ranked13th in the world with 137 meetings (ranked 21st last year)
• Ranking according to international events as well as events of “international character” (2 days): Sydney ranked11th in the world with 137 meetings (ranked 20th last year)

Lyn Lewis-Smith, Chief Operating Officer of Business Events Sydney (BESydney) commented: “These strong UIA results, combined with our number 10 ranking in the International Convention and Congress Association (ICCA) rankings released last month, truly recognise the outstanding achievements and progressive development undertaken by BESydney in 2010.”

Singapore retained its number one ranking in all categories, solidifying its status as the business events leader in the Asia-Pacific region, whilst Sydney ranked fourth in the region following strong results from both Tokyo and Seoul.

Melbourne was the only other Australian city to rank in the top 20 for international events hosting, rounding out the list in 20th place.