As a congress and meetings destination Germany is Europe’s number one and the world’s number two. One of the reasons for this is its excellent infrastructure with plenty of high-quality meeting hotels and…
As a congress and meetings destination Germany is Europe’s number one and the world’s number two. One of the reasons for this is its excellent infrastructure with plenty of high-quality meeting hotels and congress centres.
Germany stands out in particular for its wide variety of meeting locations: In Germany organisers can choose between 60,500 meeting rooms of all shapes and sizes – in 11,000 meeting venues like hotels, convention centres, universities, airports and unusual venues like monasteries, castles, museums or theme parks.
The German meeting hotels, convention centres and other service providers are very well positioned, provide excellent value for money and nationwide offerings. However, competition among convention centres and hotels is predatory and becoming increasingly international. Ever larger convention centres are being built, existing ones are being expanded and modernised – not only in Germany but world-wide.
Constant openings of new hotels, the expansion and optimisation of convention centres, and the creation of innovative venues ensure that Germany can consolidate its leading international position and hold its own in a dynamic international environment. The new locations react with conversions to ever more demanding requirements of organisers for more flexible, modern, partitionable, light-filled space concepts and additional exhibition and workshop spaces.
Over the past few years there has been a construction boom in the hotel segment in Germany, in particular just before the FIFA World Cup which takes place from 9 June to 9 July 2006 in twelve German cities. Frankfurt on Main is a case in point. The meeting metropolis saw 10 new hotels open in 2005 and there will be six further new openings up to June 2006.
WLAN, high-speed Internet, modern sound systems and IT equipment are further examples of the standard requirements event planners demand of event venues – and hotels and convention centres in Germany are constantly optimising their offerings according to these standards. Additionally, German suppliers are positioning themselves with special services like spa areas, oxygen bars or healthy nutritious menus.
Many of the over 200 members of the GCB German Convention Bureau e.V. will be upgrading their offerings for meeting planners this or next year. Their novelties will be featured at IMEX – incorporating Meetings made in Germany from 30 May to 1 June 2006 in hall 8 of Frankfurt Fair. At the Germany stand F100 to F160 and G100 to G180 visitors can check out the new and optimised locations. They can already establish contacts and make appointments in IMEX‘ Virtual Exhibition.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
