Leipzig, according to the State Statistical Office of Saxony, is growing its international visitor numbers at a faster rate than any other major German city.
Overnight stays rose 18.8 per cent to 322,443 last year "and the increase shows that our international activities are effective," says CEO of Leipzig Tourism, Volker Bremer.
Although the US market declined a little (-6.1%), there were big increases from the Netherlands (32.8%), Japan (31.3%), UK (23.4%), France (21.6%) and Switzerland (16.2%). Leipzig was also recently ranked Germany's most tourist-friendly city, in a 2010 study by the German Institute for Service Quality
The city is now gearing up to host the International Congress and Convention Association's (ICCA) Annual Congress in October 2011, with an array of anniversaries and conferences lined up that will bolster its big event credentials.
Host venue of the ICCA Congress, Congress Center Leipzig (CCL), has reported a successful 2010 with a series of health sector and pharmaceutical conference wins on the back of securing a Green Globe certificate in February.
The German Convention Bureau, 11 German regions and the local host committee will offer ICCA delegates a range of pre- and post-convention tour packages.
Leipzig also hosts the International Mahler Festival 2011 (on the 100th anniversary of the composer's death), while major Bach and Wagner congresses and exhibitions are planned for 2012 and 2013.
In 2013, the city commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Battle of the Nations, marking the historic 1813 battle of allied troops of Austria, Prussia, the Russian empire and Sweden against Napoléon I. Artist Yadegar Asisi will visualise the battle at the 360 degree panorama in the former 19th century gasometer, The Leipzig Panometer. The venue has so far welcomed 1.5m visitors for events.
In 2014 the city will also mark the 25th anniversary of the Peaceful Revolution of 1989.
