German National Tourist Board joins hands with German destination, Hessen, at the ATM 2006

The stall measured bigger than ever before in its participation at this year's 2006 ATM and included the support of 30 other German partners - the highest record of joining partners at the ATM. Other partners included famous tourist cities and Health care centers as well famous spas within Germany.

Mrs. Heike Murad, GCC Manager States, The German National Tourist Board said,

"This is the 13th participation of the German National Tourist Board in the ATM 2006 and we are proud to join hands with Hessen and our other German partners to enhance the positive image of Germany as a travel destination, experience the enchanting cities of Hessen, witness the service and friendliness campaign of Germany along with the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2006."

She further stated, "The entire tourism service chain - from airports and the German railway to the hotel sector - has already become partners of the service and friendliness campaign. Germany is a hospitable country with a high level of service commitment. It will already be possible to experience the World Cup motto in Germany even before the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ begins. In the run-up stage, the National Service and Friendliness Campaign for the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ will already signalize the anticipation and excitement with which the host country Germany is awaiting its World Cup guests. The service and friendliness campaign presents Germany as a destination with so much to offer as a way of enjoyment and things of beauty- and that does not just mean "haute cuisine" and the "luxury hotel sector". I do not think there is any better opportunity to convince the whole world of this than when a major event like the 2006 FIFA World Cup is held in our country."

Heike Murad, concluded, "Saudi Arabia's qualification for the FIFA World Cup will have a big impact on GCC travellers. Therefore, the Arabian Travel Market is an ideal event for us to kick-start the regional campaign. However, it's important to note that the FIFA soccer fever is just part of a diverse German presence at the ATM 2006."

Dr. Alois Rhiel, Hessian Minister of Economics, Transport, Urban and Regional Development, said, "The region of Hessen is proud to join hands with the well established German National Tourism Board during the ATM. Germany as a travel destination is a unique mixture of breath taking landscapes, state of the art technology and quality shopping. Parts of Germany are already known in the Gulf region; however we would like to promote various other delightful cities and towns of Germany such as the charming region of Hessen.

He continued, "Hessen's regions are memorable for their wealth of historical monuments and the enchanting diversity of their scenery. Countless castles and palaces, beautiful lakes and rivers, picturesque medieval towns and vibrant towns and cities attract visitors to the state. Especially the tremendous offers on spas and watering-places contribute to Hessen's role and fame to be Germany's Leading 'spa state'. The spectrum ranges from world-famous spas like Wiesbaden, Bad Homburg, Bad Nauheim or Bad Wildungen to smaller health and wellness resorts like Schlangenbad or Bad König. Healing natural resources and various offers for health and relaxation make Hessen's spas a destination for wellness-seeking guests from all over the world. Therefore, the ATM is a very welcome opportunity to allow Hessen and the German National Tourist Board to show its presence thus striving to demonstrate to the public the touristic strengths of Germany."