GERMANY – A decision by the German Senate means a new convention hall has finally got the go ahead in Berlin.
The Deutschlandhalle arena is now to be torn down and a new two-storey multifunctional arena built on this site by the end of 2013. When complete, it will temporarily replace the international congress and convention centre, ICC Berlin, which will be closed for major refurbishment between 2014 and 2016.
”The decision provides the planning certainty we need for the Berlin convention business”, said Burkhard Kieker, CEO of visitBerlin.
“After the reconstruction of the congress and exhibition hall, to be followed by the refurbishment of the ICC, the German capital will almost double its venue capacities. We will be able to continue to play in the top five league of international convention cities.”
The convention and meeting market is a significant economic factor for the German capital. It generates annual sales revenues of about €1.53bn and secures 29,600 jobs.
During the first half-year 2010 53,250 meetings and events took place in Berlin, with 4.2m participants attending.
