The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) has leapt into action ahead of the game with a number of marketing and promotional measures designed to inspire enthusiasm across the Middle East for the FIFA World Cup 2006TM taking place on 9th June till 9th July 2006 in Germany. The world is watching Germany who opened its doors to the World Cup visitors for the first time when the final draw took place in Leipzig, which is one of the twelve host cities. The final draw ensures people all over the world that Germany is a modern, vibrant and hospitable country. Thousands of locals built a band around the city to show solidarity and welcomed all visitors and VIP guests to a special celebration and atmosphere.
Ms. Heike Murad, GCC Manager States of The German National Tourist Board said, “From the Middle east region, Saudi Arabia has qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2006TM and I’m sure this will have a deep impact on travelers from all the GCC countries. Sport or especially football has built bridges between nations for a long time and I hope that Germany can show once more again that we really welcome everybody to experience this special country in the heart of Europe.”
‘A time to make friends’ is the official motto for the FIFA World Cup 2006TM and Germany is awaiting a lot of visitors from all over the world. 32 national teams will battle for the FIFA World Cup in 12 cities in Germany starting 9th June-9th July, 2006. Franz Beckenbauer will host the event and lots of cultural activities will take place. The 2006 FIFA World Cup is expected to generate an extra 1, 7 million stays across 2006 as a whole. At present, the tourism industry is well prepared to welcome its International visitors. Germany looks forward to this event as a great opportunity to showcase its culture and hospitality.
She further added, “In the beginning of December 2005, GNTB has launched a special national campaign to promote service and friendliness. This campaign is an initiative of the organization committee of FIFA World Cup and the German National Tourist Board and will seek to encourage fine and best service within all the involved people. Starting from taxi drivers to the entire travel industry, GNTB will create a very high service commitment and there will be a lot of competitions to find the best one in his/her branch of trade. This promotion is aiming for a better image of Germany as a travel destination before, during and long lasting after the FIFA World Cup 2006TM””
About the German National Tourism Board (GNTB)
The GNTB is a provider of marketing services for the German tourism industry. With It’s Headquarters based in Frankfurt, the GNTB has 29 foreign representative offices around the world. The GNTB aims to enhance the positive image of Germany as a travel destination and increase the volume of tourist traffic to and within Germany. The GNTB brings together the tourism partners through road shows in foreign markets together with German partners from the tourism industry. In addition, the GNTB has its own Trade fair which is the Germany Travel Mart. The GTM is an annual event aimed to offer important information about the services and products offered by the German travel industry. GNTB has developed marketing strategies and concepts based on specific themes, events and attractions for 2005: “Family Holidays” and “Vibrant Towns and cities” beside the long-term theme “2006 FIFA World Cup Germany.” The number of visitors to Germany from the Arab Gulf States has been steadily growing for many years. From January till September 2005, the number of overnight stays from this region increased by 30.6%.
About FIFA World Cup 2006TM
32 national teams will battle for the FIFA World Cup in 12 cities in Germany starting 9th June-9th July, 2006. For more detailed and up to date information on admission prices go to www.fifaworldcup.com
Issued on behalf of The German National Tourist Board by Ekadaa Public Relations, Dubai. For further information please contact Alisa D’souza on Tel: (+9714) 3912072; Fax: (+9714) 3904740; email: [email protected]
