The international guests of the FIFA World Cup 2006TM are Germany-lovers. This is the quintessence of a huge survey “Germany a travel destination and World Cup country” done by TNS Infratest on behalf of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB). 1,281 international guests were asked in the FIFA host cities Berlin, Dortmund, Hamburg, Cologne and Munich about their own experiences during the matches.
One of the most important results for the GNTB: this major event developed a complete new customer group because 75% of the interviewed people came especially because of the FIFA World CupTM and almost half of the interviewees have been to Germany for the first time. 16% have combined the world cup visit with a Germany holiday while 10% have visited relatives and friends between Hamburg and Munich.
The positive impact of this major sportive event is shown in the fact that already today more then 90% of the respondents will recommend Germany as a travel destination. Reasons for the positive attitude: the international guests made very good experiences in the host country. More than 91% felt good and warm hospitality and at least 93% said the World Cup in Germany is an amazing event and the atmosphere fantastic.
Beside the matches two thirds of the respondents also visited the sights of Germany or used their stay in Germany for shopping tours through the country. Most of the international guest came to watch the matches either live in the stadiums or to enjoy them on the many public viewing places. 3, 2 million guests were expected in the stadiums for all the 64 matches and on top almost 11 million people joined the official fan festivals during the preliminary round according statements from the 12 host cities.
Narrow half of the guests stayed longer than a week and almost 30%, especially from overseas, spent 2 weeks or more in Germany. The entire hotel sector could benefit from the event because guests stayed in 3- and 4 star hotels, guesthouses and pensions or campsites.
