Stuttgart - the number of guests in Baden-Württemberg has reached a new record in 2006. According to the Statistical Office the number of guests increased by 2.9 per cent to 15.3 million in the past year. Due to the ongoing trend towards shorter stays, the number of overnight stays has only increased by 0.9 per cent to 40.9 million.

Like in previous years, positive impulses especially came from guests from abroad. With an increase of 10.5 per cent to a peak of 7.3 million accomodations, the growth turned out exceptionally large, stated the statisticians. One reason for this development was the soccer worldcup. However, the higher demand for accomodation by guests from abroad was visible throughout the whole year.

German guests were clearly more restrained. Their number increased slightly by 1.3 per cent to 12.1 million, overnight stays in the Southwest however decreased by one per cent to 33.6 million. Classic destinations like the Black Forest or Bodensee-Oberschwaben had to cope with declines in demand for accomodation, whereof Lake Constance was affected most.

Source: dpa/lsw