RIYADH, 3 October 2004 — The tourism industry makes a considerable contribution to Germany’s economy and around 2.8 million people are employed in this sector, whose gross earnings constitute a massive eight percent of the nation’s GDP, according to the German Embassy here.
This is the third largest GDP percentage share for tourism in Europe, exceeded only by Italy and Spain. According to WTO figures, the German trade generated a turnover of US$19.2 billion in 2002, which is nearly 8 percent of the revenues of the entire European tourism sector.
In 2003, German towns, cities and holiday regions registered 338.6 million overnight stays by visitors, 41.7 million (12.3%) of them from abroad. Despite the difficult situation of the tourist trade in general at the moment, Germany has succeeded in consolidating its good position as an attractive and popular holiday destination. In 2003 the number of overnight stays by foreign visitors increased by 2.1 percent, and the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) expects this growth trend to continue in 2004.
There are many excellent reasons to visit Germany: Vibrant cities — with many historical sights and cultural attractions and a lively entertainment and arts scene; romantic old towns and villages, each with its own enchanting atmosphere; breathtaking landscapes and idyllic countryside with countless opportunities for active holidays, sports and wellness; and last but not least an excellent modern infrastructure. All of these could be seen as tourists visit historic Berlin, Dresden, Warburg (for its castles), among others.
Over a hundred international airlines operate services to Germany from 800 airports all over the world. The comprehensive modern railway network provides hourly or two-hourly services to eighty cities everyday. And Germany’s famous autobahns provide 11,000 kilometers of toll-free, high-speed road connections.
In addition to this the attractions in Germany are in line with current international trends, which include cultural tourism, event and experience travel, holidays in nature and the countryside, wellness, trade fairs, congresses and conferences. Germany is centrally located in Europe and has many advantages for the tourist trade, including beautiful and varied countryside, unspoiled nature, a fascinating historical heritage from many eras, including many UNESCO World Heritage sites, cultural attractions, a huge variety of entertainment and art offerings and outstanding shopping opportunities. Germany is full of fascinating and unusual things to do and see, with something for every taste. Other positive factors include outstanding services, clubs and restaurants, a broad choice of accommodation options and prices for every budget and the euro as a stable international currency.
Modern tourists are getting more and more interested in culture and health, and here too Germany has a wide choice of internationally competitive offerings in the form of city tours, event tourism and wellness and health holidays. For many years the GNTB has been promoting this kind of tourism with thematic advertising campaigns conducted all over the world. These campaigns include “cultural theme years” — for example, Music Land Germany for 2004 and Vibrant Cities for 2005. There are two separate themes for ordinary holidays and outdoor activities; the 2004 theme is the Fascination of Water-Seas, Rivers and Lakes, and for 2005 the theme will be Relaxation and Fun for the Entire Family.
Germany is also going to be the host of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, a gigantic international event that is giving Germany the opportunity to present itself to the entire world as an attractive travel destination. Preparations for the 2006 FIFA World Cup are already in full swing, with many interesting preparatory activities all over Germany.
The GNTB expects the championship to generate 1.7 percent increase in total overnight stays for the year 2006 as a whole.
