Why rush off on holiday to far-flung places? More and more people are opting to stay in Germany or …
Why rush off on holiday to far-flung places? More and more people are opting to stay in Germany or within Europe. And there/s plenty of choice when it comes to destination. For tips and hints on Europe/s best holiday spots, C-B-R 2004 is the place. This 35th Caravanning-Water Sports-Tourism Exhibition takes place from Saturday 14 to Wednesday, 18 February 2004 at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre. This year for the first time, the fair has a new, shorter running time and longer opening hours – up until 8 p.m. on weekdays.
More and more Germans are becoming enthusiastic about the variety and beauty in their own country, says Tilo Braune, President of the German Tourist Association in Bonn. Last year, for example, there were 236.4 million overnight stays in Germany by German guests – just in the nine-month period from January to September. The most popular destination in the peak holiday month of August was Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, which experienced an increase of 13 percent. In general all the coastal areas, inland waters and mountainous regions were in demand. According to F.U.R., researchers in holidays and travel, in 2004 Germany will hold on to its No. 1 slot among German holidaymakers, ahead of Spain and Italy.
A big theme in the holiday and leisure market in Germany in 2004 will be the fascination of water. And at C-B-R visitors can find out about interesting holidays such as a journey of discovery into the Hanseatic league (ADAC Reisen, Hall A6, Stand 440) – a 7-day tour by car starting in Wismar, and leading to Stralsund, via Rostock and Warnemunde. The historic old town of Wismar with its colourful trading houses, the University of Rostock and the seaside spa of Warnemunde with its fine sandy beaches and 100-year old lighthouse, are a real treat for body, mind and soul. Stralsund, the gateway to the island of Rugen, is regarded as one of the most beautiful North German examples of brick architecture.
Genoa, the capital city of Liguria is UNESCO/s cultural capital for 2004. Once a leading sea power in the Mediterranean, Genoa can look back on a long history. International trade brought wealth to the city, which reflected its new-found status by building splendid marble palaces and elegant boulevards. During its year as the 2004 cultural capital, the chosen theme will be `travel`, on which a total of 118 events are to be held. For example, from 29 May to 1 November 2004, Genoa/s maritime museum will be staging an exhibition called `Genoa – Ruler of the Oceans`, focusing on ocean steamers (Hall A5, Stand 210). From May 2004 the Italian capital, Rome, will also have yet another evening attraction – a musical interpretation of `Christ/s Passion`. The stage technology and innovative lighting and sound effects in `XXXIII A.D. – The Passion` will be sure to provide a breathtaking spectacle. The venue for this amazing performance is the historic Teatro Romano in Ostia Antica at the gateway to the city. This theatre is part of one of the most important archaeological excavations around the Mediterranean.
In 2004 Spain will be celebrating the 100th birthday of the painter Salvador Dali on 11 May (Hall B5, Stand 345). In Figueras, the painter/s birthplace near Gerona in Catalonia, people will be able to visit the house the eccentric painter used to live in, and also the surreal Teatro-Museo Dali. Real aficionados will then go on to the 14th-century Pubol Castle which Dali gave to his wife Gala, and where she spent the last ten years of her life.
Between 12 June and 4 July 2004, football fans will be turning their eyes to Portugal for the European championships. Those who wish to experience this mega event live, can book tickets at the stands of a number of tour operators, including DERTOUR (Hall A5, Stand 212). The first highlight is the game between Germany and Holland on 15 June 2004 in Porto. DERTOUR has chartered a plane for the trip, to fly fans from Germany to the match, and then straight back again. DERTOUR is also offering holiday packages of different lengths for the first-round matches against Holland, the Czech Republic and Latvia. For those who want to remain as flexible and mobile as possible, there/s a choice of five different mobile campers.
During the 28th Olympic Games from 13 to 29 August 2004, in Athens, there will be the official guest ship – the Deutsches Schiff AIDAaura Athen 2004 of the National Olympic Committee for Germany. This ship will serve as a TV platform for the ARD TV channel, which will be sending live transmissions from on board. There will also be room for over 1,200 guests who want to experience the event live in the Greek capital (Hall B5, Stand 312A). The AIDAaura is also a luxurious oasis of rest and relaxation on water: it has a 1,200 square-metre wellness zone, a `Calypso` dining hall under sun umbrellas or the open skies, an `Anytime Bar` with canvas roof, and an Inside-Outside Disco (A5, Stand 212).
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