German state North Rhine Westphalia and its capital Dusseldorf are becoming stronger magnets for leisure travel, according to a study released by the State Office of Statistics.
More than 1.7 million foreign visitors traveled to the region in the first 6 months of 2010, an increase of 9.2 percent compared to last year. In total, 8.6 million visited the region, an increase of 5.4 percent, and the number of hotel nights increased by 2.3 percent to a total of 19.5 million. Some of the biggest growth was measured in Dusseldorf and the Rhine Ruhr Region, especially travel from North America. The number of travelers from the US grew by 21.9 percent and from Canada by 22 percent.
Both the city and region have undergone a major transformation from centers of industrial production to places with exceptional quality of living. Dusseldorf now ranks no. 6 on a global list of cities with the highest quality of living (source: Mercer`s 2010 Quality of Life Survey) and is often called a hidden-gem destination.
The statistics reflect the growing popularity of Dusseldorf as an international leisure destination and a good fit for changing travel needs, e.g., more compact itineraries and travel convenience.
Dusseldorf is at the center of the Rhine Ruhr area, a bustling network of 53 connected cities, and offers quick access to other destinations and countries. It is home to world-class attractions such as the "longest bar in the world," MediaHarbor, the most beautiful Rhine River promenade, and a year-long calendar of major international events and festivals. Dusseldorf International Airport is Germany`s third largest airport and a new-generation hub for world-wide direct flights and connections.
Theodore Koumelis - Friday, September 03, 2010