World Cup effect lasts in Germany

The German National Tourist Office (GNTO)has released figures which show a rising number of visits to the country in 2007 and prove that its popularity as a travel destination is "undiminished" after the 2006 World Cup.

In the first eight months of 2007 there were 37.4 million overnight stays in Germany by international visitors, three per cent more than the year before.

With 2.89 million overnight stays between January and August in 2007, Britain was the third most substantial source market for Germany this year, behind the Netherlands and the US.

Some 4.5 million British overnight stays were registered in Germany throughout the whole of 2006, a number that was boosted by the country's hosting of the World Cup.

At its stall at the World Travel Market in London this year, the GNTO will be promoting the aspects of Germany that make it an ideal location for city breaks and active holidays.

The association will also publicise the hot spas, historic towns, Christmas markets and castles that offer "numerous possibilities" for winter holidays in Germany.