When we found out that Mecklenburg-Western Pommerania would be hosting the G8 summit, as tourism representatives we were thrilled. The preparations for the summit have already produced many improvements for the region, including to our infrastructure and roads. Hotel staff members have been given English courses and are learning how to cater to international guests. The region will be better equipped to receive international tourists. We are very happy about all this.

Of course, what we are really hoping for is that the summit will raise the profile of the region nationally and internationally. Many people haven't even heard of Mecklenburg-Western Pommerania yet, but they will see that the state is a wonderful vacation destination. There is great potential for us increase tourism here in future years.

For this reason, we are also looking forward to the media contingent that will be coming here. Even if their reason for coming are primarily to report on politics, we are hoping that they will also file some positive stories about the region and make it better known to the world.