THE German National Tourist Board is banking on next year’s Expo 2000 in Hanover to accelerate the level of visitor numbers from Britain.
Despite Britain being the third largest market for Germany after Holland and the US, with 3.2m overnight stays, the growth level this year is expected to be similar to the 1998 figure of 8.1%. According to the GNTB’s 1998 annual report, Germany ranked sixth in the choice of destinations for British holidaymakers after Spain, France, America, Ireland and Asia and the Pacific.
GNTB UK and Ireland director Rudolf Richter conceded that although growth is likely to remain at around the same level for this year, it was encouraging amid fairly intense competition from several rival destinations.
“The UK has been one of the niche growing markets for Germany,”he said.
“Visitors still head for the traditional spots of the Black Forest, Bavaria and the Rhineland, but we need to capitalise more on this.
“We will be spending more resources on promoting areas in eastern Germany such as Dresden and Leipzig, but Expo 2000 next year will be a major event which we expect will attract an increasing number of visitors.”
The Expo showcase, to be held between June 1 and October 31, will feature many new products, technological developments, culture, arts and lots of events from around the world.
Richter added that Expo 2000 will appeal to many people of all ages and that eight UK tour operators have already been appointed as official ticket agents.
He said the GNTB’s strategy next year will be to continue focusing on its successful marketing themes of youth, culture and arts.