Hamburg welcomes Rotary members from across the world: 2019 Rotary International Convention in Northern Germany

Hamburg, 29 May 2019 - Over the coming days, Hamburg will be transformed into “Rotary City” as more than 25,000 Rotary members from around the globe will be getting together in Hamburg from 1 to 5 June 2019 for the annual international meeting. The event is considered to be one of the most prestigious and international congresses worldwide and touches the hearts not only of the Rotary community, but also that of the host city and its residents. After all, the Rotary idea also includes spreading the club’s values across the city.

The Rotary international convention is colourful, diverse, and cosmopolitan. In keeping with the tagline “Capture the moment”, Rotary members attending the Hamburg convention will initiate projects, engage in exchange, and work together for a better world.

“Hamburg is known as the gateway to the world, and with 25,000 people from 170 countries expected to attend our convention, Rotary is excited to bring the world to Hamburg,” said Rotary President Barry Rassin. “We are looking forward to introducing the city to our members from abroad and familiarizing the community with local Rotary members who take action to make the world a better place.”

In addition to the convention in the exhibition halls of Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH, Rotary members will be able to also enjoy a comprehensive supporting programme in Hamburg – including bicycle tours, an opening party at the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, a sailing trip on the Alster Lake as well as exclusive Rotary concerts in the Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg's iconic new concert hall at the heart of the port.

What is more, Hamburg’s locals will be able to get in touch with the Rotary community as the organization’s members will be present at some of the city's most prominent venues, with information stands and events providing insights into the various projects of one of the first service club in the world.

Hamburg – top travel destination in Europe in 2019

With its spectacular opening in January 2017, the Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg's new landmark, has drawn tremendous international attention. But not only that: with the opening of this amazing new concert hall, Hamburg has now positioned itself globally as one of the must-see places in the world. Today, Hamburg records nearly 15 million overnight stays annually, with more and more visitors coming from abroad.

Attendees of the convention will be able to immerse themselves in a truly European music city and experience one of the most exciting culinary hotspots in Germany, countless maritime tourist attractions, a legendary nightlife scene, plenty of culture, as well as vibrant startup, digital and media scenes.

Hamburg – Europe’s port of innovation

With 1.9 million inhabitants Hamburg is Germany’s second largest city. The Hamburg Metropolitan Region is home to about 5 million people and stretches between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. Hamburg’s economy is more diversified than that of many other large cities in the world, and the city holds an international leading position in industries such as aviation, renewable energies as well as the media and creative industries.

Boasting the third largest port on the European continent, Hamburg serves as Northern Europe’s logistics centre as well as China’s trading hub for Europe.

Rotary Convention to have positive effects on Hamburg as a meetings location

For Hamburg as a meetings destination, this large-scale congress is particularly important, as the Rotary International Convention’s visibility extends far beyond the borders of Germany. Michael Otremba, Managing Director of Hamburg Convention Bureau GmbH, explains: “With the Rotary International Convention, Hamburg demonstrates that the city is playing its part on the stage for major international congresses. We already made a strong impact by hosting the 2013 Lions Convention, and we are now able to once again highlight the strengths of Hamburg and its meetings industry. The fact that we are well able to implement a congress of this size will spread among congress organisers worldwide and convey a very positive impression of our city.”

With more than 60,000 events and over two million participants annually, Hamburg once again confirms its relevance as a convention and congress location in Germany.

To learn more about the 2019 Rotary International Convention as well as the congress and supporting programme, please visit http://riconvention.org/en/hamburg. Further information on Hamburg is available at www.hamburg.com as well as www.hamburg-travel.com.

 Digital Press-Kit: marketing.hamburg.de/rotary

About Rotary: Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from those in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. Germany’s 56,000 members and 1,100 clubs are taking action to make the world a better place at home and abroad.

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