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2025 clearly demonstrated our importance for the city of Gothenburg. The Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre and Gothia Towers enjoyed positive results, the substantial economic effects of over three billion tourist visitors and a 40 percent increase in conventions and corporate events. Our meeting place is consolidating its position as a driving force in Gothenburg’s business community and strengthening its international appeal.
“2025 was the year when our importance to Gothenburg became abundantly clear. When the world meets here to share knowledge, drive innovation and develop business, value is created far beyond our own business”, says Carin Kindbom, President and CEO of the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre and Gothia Towers.
Profitability — moving in the right direction
In contrast to last year’s negative results, the group is reporting profits for 2025. Its annual profit amounted to SEK 12 million. Operating profit amounted to SEK 68 million (28) and net revenue increased to SEK 1,328 million (1,275).
“The fact that we returned to profitability in a still uncertain and challenging environment, confirms that we’re moving in the right direction”, says Carin Kindbom.
A record year for congresses and corporate events
In the congress and corporate events segment, we achieved our highest turnover ever in 2025; an increase of over 40 percent. We hosted 23 national and international congresses and 15 in-house trade fairs. In total, just over 1,500 events were held at our venue.
“In uncertain times, physical meetings are invaluable. We’re experiencing strong demand for knowledge-intensive and socially-relevant congresses. The expectations for quality and safety at events are very high and we’re strong in that field – both at home and internationally”, says Carin.
Billions benefit for Gothenburg
The Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre and Gothia Towers contributed approximately SEK 3.4 billion to the city’s tourist economy in 2025. As a private and financially-independent foundation, all profits are reinvested in the operation, which strengthens its long-term development and Gothenburg’s competitive edge.
“It’s been our mission to promote business for over one hundred years. Every congress we attract, every trade fair and meeting we host, strengthens Gothenburg’s position as an international event city. In the face of tough international competition, we’re proud of our ever-growing position”, Carin adds.
A challenging hotel market
In recent years, the number of hotel rooms in Gothenburg has grown significantly. In the long term, an expanding hotel market is positive, although, in the short term, it increases competition and puts pressure on margins. The number of guest-nights has not yet had time to grow to catch up with city’s supply.
“Our strength is still in offering meetings, trade fairs, restaurants and a hotel as a complete package that attracts visitors all year round”, says Carin Kindbom.
ISO 20121 sustainability certification
In 2025, an external audit led to our recertification according to updated ISO 20121 standards for events. Reducing the company’s environmental impact is an integral part of our strategy and contributes to the city’s sustainability. Gothenburg is consistently ranked at the top of the Global Destination Sustainability Index, an achievement that the meeting industry significantly contributes to.
“Sustainability is integral to our business and its future competitiveness. Our systematic approach, in close collaboration with the city, helps Gothenburg remain one of the world’s most sustainable meeting destinations”, says Carin.
Solid foundations for continued growth
2025 was characterised by change and shifts. We implemented an extensive program of reorganization, efficiency improvements and prioritisation that creates the right conditions for long-term sustainable profitability. In addition to an updated business portfolio and improved offerings, we implemented strategies that provide a clear way forward. With its improved financial position, the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre and Gothia Towers can optimistically look to the future.
“In an uncertain and rapidly changing world, the need for meeting places is greater than ever”, concludes Carin.
Key figures for 2025 (2024 in brackets)
Net revenue: SEK 1,328 million (1,275)
EBITDA: SEK 187 million (145)
EBITDA margin: 14.1% (11.4)
Operating profit: SEK 68 million (28)
Profit for the year: SEK 12 million (-33)