Last year, Germany celebrated a century and a quarter since first establishing itself as the cradle of the car in Europe.
In 2012, Germany manufactures 45,000 cars every day.
Rated second in the world behind General Motors’ massive production line in America, the European nation maintains a reputation for building some of the world’s best brands — Volkwagen, Audi, BMW, Porsche and Mercedes Benz.
During a special event last week at the Midtown Loft & Terrace, representatives of the German National Tourist Board boasted automotive efficiency but also touted the many wonders of the nation.
The principal intent was to introduce several alluring features that might sway business travelers to choose the environmentally-concerned Germany for the next corporate meeting.
According to the representatives, the theme for 2012 “Germany: Open for business – trade fairs and conventions” invites a wide array of corporate travelers to experience the myriad enhancements to ensuring a successful experience.
However, stressed throughout was the green aspect implemented to ensure sustainability.
For a meeting to be ‘green’ the environment has to be taken into account at every stage of the planning “from the invitation to the journey home.”
The European nation is in the forefront of leading a charge to distinguish itself not only as the greenest on the continent but pioneers to the world on issues related to sustainability.
“Our high standards of sustainability and environmental protection have only boosted Germany’s image as a destination for conferences and events, they also give us a crucial competitive edge, Petra Hedorfer, chief executive officer of the German National Tourist Board said.
Already established as a leader in promoting environmental sustainability, Germany is now known as the green destination and number one in renewable areas – recycling and sustainable water technology.
Rated number two throughout the world behind the USA, of 18 destinations in Europe with an above- average commitment to sustainability, 10 are reportedly situated in Germany.
During the Manhattan event, speaker after speaker touted the impact on the ecology with regard to virtually every industry.
With 40 airports serving principal cities, Germany is reputed for providing a diversified cultural allure throughout.
Munich is noted for beer gardens, art, football architecture; Frankfurt – financial institutions; Berlin – cosmopolitan – music, entertainment, shopping; Stuttgart – automobile invention; Hamburg – Europe’s greenest; Dusseldorf – fashion; Nuremburg – gingerbread, sausages and Christmas market; Cologne – cathedral and carnivals; Bremen – seaside city; Dresden – music festivals; and there is no shortage of enticements in Hannover, Weisbaden, Leipzig, Heidelburg and Dresden.
Germany is one of the most popular destinations for the business traveler.
Germany is especially important to American business travelers.
Reportedly, 19 percent of Americans who travel overseas are travelling for business purposes.
The same study alleges that Germany accounts for 27 percent of those travelers.
At the recent meeting, Germany was identified as the travel destination for promotable business meetings – those that include incentives, conferences, events and trade fairs.
“Promotable business travel from Europe to Germany advanced by seven percent to 5.5 million trips last year,” Hedorfer added.
He said from the USA, 11 percent of all business travel to Germany is in the context of promotable meetings.
With video, brochures and testimonies form experts, the dominant topic seemed to be cars.
A car due next year that will run for 235 miles on one liter of gasoline; the advantages of hybrids, diesel run cars and the spiraling sales of the VW Beetle and Passat were all detailed.
Figures showed an 8.3 global growth over last year’s 7.2.
They introduced Strategy 2018, which promises passenger car projections and objectives to sell 10 million fuel efficient cars annually.
Allegedly, the first electric car, the Jedda Hybrid is due in 2013.
“We want to help strengthen Germany’s already excellent position in relation to green meetings and ensure that German suppliers can compete successfully in the global market,” Matthias Schultze, managing director, German Convention Bureau said.
