11 Oct 2012
New York, N.Y. -- The recently announced Global Competitiveness Report 2012-2013 issued by the World Economic Forum has ranked Germany number 6 overall in terms of economic competitiveness and number 3 for its infrastructure in terms of quality. This comprehensive report assesses the competitive landscape of 144 economies worldwide, providing insight into the drivers behind their productivity and prosperity.
Infrastructure -- along with strong business, academic and scientific expertise and green meetings knowledge -- is part of what makes Germany a leading global meetings, events and conference destination, having hosted 2.72 million events in 2011, up 4.5 percent from the previous year (Source: Meetings & Events Barometer Germany 2012). Germany’s strong variety of world-class, interwoven transportation options and infrastructure creates convenient and efficient mobility. These options include 40 airports, 20 of which are international, with Lufthansa serving 200 destinations in 80 countries; 12,850 kilometers of world- class highways; and a strong train network of almost 33,500 kilometers serving 5,400 locations. Once visitors are at a local destination, German public and personal transportation by train, bus, car sharing and taxis then kicks in to get them around safely and easily. For those that prefer exercise and the ultimate green way to get around on two wheels, Germany even features the “Call a Bike“ program in eight cities and at over 40 train stations.
“Seamless mobility is one of the core benefits Germany offers to business travelers," says Matthias Schultze, Managing Director of the German Convention Bureau. "Further, leading German travel providers such as Lufthansa and the Deutsche Bahn (German Railways) provide customized solutions to the meetings industry, making work travel to and within Germany increasingly easy and value-driven. So whether you are visiting for a conference or coming in for a small incentive trip, your infrastructure experience in Germany should always be top notch.”
In addition to the benefits of Germany’s travel infrastructure itself, meeting and event organizers and their guests -- as well as the actual business programs themselves -- benefit from Germany’s expertise in logistics and transportation and other key industries such as automotive, pharmaceutical, and biotech. The country is, for example, home to such key international players as DHL, Mercedes Benz, Porsche, BMW, Lufthansa, Schenker, and Deutsche Bahn (German Railways) and many others, allowing meeting organizers to dip into this local expertise for event content suggestions, potential sponsorship relationships, keynote speaker candidates, and a multitude of other networking opportunities.
Convenient location has also been recognized as a strength for meetings and events professionals with Germany being called the most accessible country in Europe by the European Union’s ESPON (European Spatial Observation Network) Survey in 2011.
About the German Convention Bureau
The German Convention Bureau (GCB) represents and markets Germany as a destination for conventions, meetings, events and incentives both on a national and international scale. It is the first point of contact for companies, associations and organizations around the world planning events in Germany.
Acting as a connector to the wide range of German event service providers, venues and host cities, the GCB provides hands-on advice and support to planners and executives in all industries and organizations. To bring maximum value, quality and customization to each meeting and event hosted in Germany, the GCB also helps hosts and attendees leverage the country’s deep expertise in green meetings and key industries such as pharmaceuticals, financials, automotive, logistics & transportation, and technology.
The GCB’s more than 200 members include leading hotels, convention centers, destinations, event agencies and service providers of the German meetings and conventions industry. Convention Bureau Düsseldorf, darmstadtium Science and Convention Center, and Maritim Hotels are Preferred Partners of the GCB. As Strategic Partners, Lufthansa German Airlines, Deutsche Bahn AG (German Railways), and the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) support the work of the GCB.
The GCB website www.germany-meetings.com serves as a useful online tool to find detailed information on Germany, search venues and vendors, get tips for green meetings, catch up on the latest news, access travel guides, and much more. Follow the German Convention Bureau in the U.S. on Twitter: www.twitter.com/GermanyMeetings.
Media Contact:
Margaret Bonilla
Clareville Communications (U.S.)
MargaretBonilla@clareville.com
603.548.0693
Laura d’Elsa
Regional Director USA & Canada
German Convention Bureau
122 East 42nd Street, Suite 2000
New York, NY 10168-0072
T: +1 212- 661 4582
F: +1 212- 661 6192
