Interview with Mareike Kitz, Frankfurt Convention Bureau

How important is business travel in Frankfurt?

M. K. - Of course, Frankfurt attracts a lot of business travellers, thanks in particular to the 69,000 events organised in the city every year. So business travellers must now account for 60 % of travellers. But not so long ago, their weight was closer to 70 %!

How do you explain this development?

M. K. - For a long time, Frankfurt had the image of a grey city, entirely dedicated to business. We are now trying to help travellers discover the other facets of the city and the Bankenviertel, which have much more to offer than just its business assets. The cultural resources are exceptional, with two opera houses and, above all, numerous museums.

So there's life after business in the banking district?

M. K. - Yes, absolutely. It's an up-and-coming area, where new concepts are appearing, trendy restaurants and bars are springing up and helping to liven up the nightlife.