Cannes voted World’s Best Destination for Festivals and Events

After retaining its European title for the second year running, Cannes has just been voted by its peers, the trade media and all Cannes lovers, “Best Global Festival and Event Destination” at the World Travel Awards 2022, considered the Oscars of Tourism.

This is the first French city to win this award against the twelve other international cities in competition, namely Barcelona, London, Barranquilla, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Dubai, Singapore, Santiago, Sydney, Cape Town, Da Nang City and Durban.

This prestigious recognition confirms Cannes’ essential role as a flagship destination for the world’s event business.

Published on 12 November 2022

What David Lisnard has to say

Mayor of Cannes

“I am delighted and proud that Cannes has been voted “World’s Best Festivals and Events Destination” at the World Travel Awards. This historic double recognizes the hard work, talent and energy of the people of Cannes who work every day to ensure the success of the events and cultural sector. This award is also the fruit of the massive investments made each year by the city to improve the quality of life of its residents and welcome visitors.
With 140 world-renowned events to be hosted and organized at le Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in 2022, including the Cannes Film Festival, MIPIM and Cannes Lions, Cannes plays a key role in France’s attractiveness. This title is thus a true recognition of French know-how and places Cannes and France as a must-see global destination for festivals and events. Long live Cannes!”

David Lisnard, Mayor of Cannes

Cannes 2022 World Champion - World's Leading Festival & Event Destination - World Travel Awards

Download the press releaseCannes voted World's Best Destination

Cannes world champion

Cannes is the first and only city in France to win this prestigious award.

For over 75 years, Cannes has been home to the world’s biggest cultural event, the Cannes Film Festival. It has been followed by many others, MIDEM, MIPCOM, MIPIM, Cannes Yachting Festival, Festival de la Publicité, de la Danse, des Jeux, des Séries… a diversity of events that make Cannes a unique destination. The natural setting, its human dimension, its welcoming infrastructures and its dynamism make the city attractive and incomparable.

In 2022 the city saw a record number of events and this title comes to consecrate this exceptional year.

Palace events

In the words of Jean-Michel Arnaud

President of le Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes

“What a pleasure to receive this fine distinction at the World Travel Awards. I would like to congratulate all the Cannes professionals and the teams at le Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, who contribute on a daily basis to making Cannes the world’s best destination for festivals and events. I would also like to thank all our partners and customers for their unfailing trust. This world champion title encourages us to always strive for excellence, in line with our raison d’être: to welcome the world sustainably.”

Jean-Michel Arnaud
President of le Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes

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