With Martha Chapman
24JAN08
of the ANTO and Mike Capodanno of Switzerland Tourism
Wally Haupt
Czech Tourism is looking forward
to this year's championship
Austrians And Swiss Gear Up For A Football Frenzy!
The halls were alive with the sound of German on Tuesday night at the offices of the Austrian National Tourist Office.
The occasion? A celebration of the New Year plus the chance to showcase the host countries for the European football (soccer to us) championship.
This year there will be two host countries, Austria and Switzerland, each with four cities hosting games.
You thought the Stanley Cup was a big deal? With 16 teams playing 31 games from June 7 to 29, it will be the third largest sports event in the world after the Olympics and the World Cup of football. And it’s estimated over nine billion viewers around the world will tune in. And host countries will reap 1.5 million accommodation overnights.
No wonder the crowd in attendance on Tuesday was in fine fettle (though I have an idea the fragrant mulled wine may have helped). Spotted in the crowd were Wally Haupt, now running groups and special interest tours through Wally Haupt Travel Marketing; Herbert Wolf of EW Tours; and Mike Capodanno of Switzerland Tourism. Mirjana Sebek-Heroldova of Czech Tourism was even on the scene!
Me, I’m thinking Ivanna will be making plans to head to these alpine countries in June. All that rippling young flesh will be sure to be right up her alley, no matter who wins the cup!
© Open Jaw