Germany will set a new record in 2010 and generate more than 60 million overnight stays from foreign visitors for the first time, officials have confirmed.

This result will mean around 3.5 million more overnights than in 2008, the best year on record so far, and around five million more than in the crisis year of 2009.

The outcome has been forecast by the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) based on the latest numbers collected by the Federal Statistical Office and other market research institutions.

For the first three quarters the statisticians calculated a plus of 11 per cent for incoming tourism in comparison with the same time last year, and an increase of 6.2 per cent compared with 2008.

The incoming traffic from the United Kingdom into Germany has also been on the rise throughout the year. Nearly 3.2 million overnight stays from British travellers were recorded until September 2010, marking a significant increase of 14.8 per cent in comparison to last year.

Holiday Ideas in Germany

“Germany is a great place to visit at any time and for many reasons,” said Klaus Lohmann, director UK & Ireland.

“This past year has shown that we are competitive on a world stage.

“Big draws were the Passion Play in Oberammergau, 200 years Oktoberfest and certainly the RUHR 2010 (European Capital of Culture) with more than 2,500 events and exhibitions taking place.

“The year to come promises more events, both innovative and traditional, and we are looking forward to welcoming new and returning visitors to our country.”

Tourism in Germany is also growing disproportionately fast.

While the country counted an increase of 12.4 per cent in visitor arrivals, compared with the same time period last year, worldwide visitor arrivals increased by only seven per cent in the first eight months according to the UNTWO.

To ensure continued growth in incoming tourism a variety of marketing initiates are planned for 2011 including a focus on health and wellness travel, 125 years of German automobile and the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

World Mobi

Also in Europe today, World Mobi launched its new city guide to Berlin. 

World Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the World Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are Brussels.Mobi, London.Mobi, Sanfrancisco.Mobi and Sydney.Mobi.

Atlanta.Mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

World.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.