GOOD SPORT!
Host city for UEFA EURO 2024 as well as the UEFA Women’s EURO 2029 and a candidate to host the Olympics – the city of Düsseldorf is definitely ‘on the map’ when it comes to hosting major international sporting events. But what does that actually mean for Düsseldorf as a business location? VIVID investigated.
The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris were not just a major sporting event. According to an independent study by the International Olympic Committee, 84 per cent of the potential global audience followed the Games – which equates to a record figure of around five billion people. Should the Köln- RheinRuhr bid for the Olympic Games be successful, this could therefore also mean immense global visibility for Düsseldorf. Following the highly successful hosting of UEFA EURO 2024, the UEFA Women’s EURO will be held in Germany in 2029 – with some of the matches taking place at Düsseldorf’s Merkur Spiel Arena. DFB President Bernd Neuendorf is optimistic that this international sporting event will attract a total of over one million spectators to Düsseldorf, amongst other venues. Representatives from the hospitality, events and retail sectors have shared their insights with us on how businesses are preparing for these major events and what the long-term implications of the global visibility generated by such high-profile events mean for Düsseldorf as a business hub.
MARIUS BERLEMANN, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MESSE DÜSSELDORF
“International sporting events put Düsseldorf and North Rhine- Westphalia in the global spotlight. Much like our world-leading trade fairs, they generate direct economic benefits for tourism, the hotel industry, the hospitality sector, retail and numerous service providers. The long-term impact is particularly valuable for us at Messe Düsseldorf: a city that is excellently positioned on the global stage helps ensure that international trade fair visitors and companies continue to flock to the location in large numbers, thereby boosting the regional economy. The UEFA Women’s EURO offers the opportunity to build on the positive experiences of EURO 2024. The Olympic and Paralympic Games in North Rhine-Westphalia can provide a strong impetus for investments in efficient regional and inter-regional transport links and fully accessible mobility networks that permanently improve citizens’ quality of life whilst simultaneously strengthening the competitiveness of Düsseldorf as an international trade fair and business location. Major events create a shared goal and demonstrate what is possible when the city, business, sport and society work closely together.”
DANIELA DANZ, GENERAL MANAGER, HYATT REGENCY DÜSSELDORF
“Major events attract international attention, boost visitor numbers and provide an additional economic boost for the hotel, catering and retail sectors. They demonstrate what is possible when the city, the business community and society work together towards a common goal – and they motivate companies to think innovatively, form partnerships and jointly present Düsseldorf as a cosmopolitan, modern city. For us, international sporting events offer the chance to attract new guests to Düsseldorf and our hotel. I would like to see investment in public transport, digital infrastructure and the quality of the visitor experience throughout the city. This will benefit guests, businesses and the city alike in the long term. There is still some time until 2029, but we are monitoring developments closely. As soon as the plans are starting to take shape, we will tailor our teams, services and partnerships specifically to the needs of the international guests and organisers of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2029.”
ALEXANDER JOBST, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AT FORTUNA DÜSSELDORF
“The UEFA Women’s EURO 2029 and the Olympic bid represent a huge opportunity for Düsseldorf. As Fortuna, we stand firmly behind our city in this endeavour. We have already actively supported both bids through our own initiatives and will continue to play a positive role in this process going forward. For us at Fortuna Düsseldorf, women’s and girls’ football is not a short-term trend, but has been an integral part of our club’s development for many years. Our aim is to capitalise on the enthusiasm generated by such major events in a sustainable way, so that even more girls find their way onto the football pitch and into clubs. This benefits not only Fortuna, but the whole of Düsseldorf as a sporting city.”
ANDREAS REBBELMUND, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF BREUNINGER DÜSSELDORF
“A major international sporting event would be a great opportunity for Düsseldorf – not only in terms of the city’s appeal as a destination, but also to revitalise the city centre and provide a significant boost to retail, hospitality and tourism. As committed hosts, we at Breuninger look forward to joining the people of Düsseldorf in welcoming the many visitors and showing them what makes our city so special. It is precisely such occasions that demonstrate the high quality of life and hospitality that Düsseldorf has to offer. When people enjoy coming to the city, everyone benefits in the end – and that is exactly what makes such events so valuable.” •
Text: Katja Vaders
Pictures: Çisel Bozar, Messe Düsseldorf / Andreas Wiese, Hyatt Regency Düsseldorf, E. Breuninger GmbH & Co, F95
