In spite of a strong euro and the international economic crisis, Berlin closed its 2009 tourism year with record visitor numbers. In 2009, 8.3 million guests checked into Berlin's hotels (up 4.5 percent), spending a total of 18.87 million overnights (up 6.2 percent). On the average, guests stayed in Berlin for 2.3 nights, a slight increase over 2008. Visitor numbers have been increasing steadily for the past six years. Burkhard Kieker, CEO of Berlin Tourism Marketing, said, "While other European capitals continued to suffer significant decreases, Berlin's status as a must-see destination, the year-long celebrations of the 20th anniversary of the fall of the wall, as well as Berlin's unbeatable value kept attracting visitors from Europe and overseas." Berlin's average hotel rate of 76 euros ($104) remained extremely competitive, comparing very favorably to Paris ($151), London ($147), and Rome ($107).
The U.S., Berlin's most important overseas market, continued to show strong numbers. In 2009, more than 238,400 Americans visited the German capital. This all-time high signifies a solid 3.3 percent increase compared to 2008. In spite of the overall economic mood and a trend toward shorter vacations, U.S. citizens spent more time in Berlin than in the previous year, increasing the number of U.S. overnights by 3.6 percent to 585,560. With a market share of 5 percent, the U.S. remains the strongest overseas source market for Berlin.
For 2010, Berlin Tourism Marketing is hoping to keep its visitor numbers stable or slightly above the 2009 levels. Wide-reaching media coverage of the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall celebrations throughout 2009 has further confirmed the positive image of the new Berlin, and is expected to generate continued strong interest in the German capital. For more information, call 818-385-0631 or visit www.visitBerlin.de.
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