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Grumpy Berliners Learn to Smile

Friendliness campaign gives city an image makeover

By Amelia Atlas,  Newser User

Posted Mar 11, 2009 5:48 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Berlin may not be a city of churlish insults and bad manners much longer. Long known for the rudeness of its residents, the German capital is on a “friendliness offensive,” Der Spiegel reports. Pegged to its annual tourism convention, Berlin’s campaign aims to boost the number of smiles in streets and other public forums. More than 3,000 civil servants have already signed up.

It’s not the first time Berlin has attempted an image makeover: The city encouraged its citizens to smile for the 2006 World Cup, but the results were short-lived. While Berlin has a history of finding a silver lining in its negative traits, it’s still hoping to tone down its gruff exterior. The hope “is to make the city a bit friendlier,” said a PR rep.

Dancers of a Cuban dance group pose in front of the Brandenburg Gate as part of a tourism promotion.
Dancers of a Cuban dance group pose in front of the Brandenburg Gate as part of a tourism promotion.   (AP Photo)
Klaus Wowereit, mayor of Berlin, center, poses with two dancers at Mexico's booth today during the city's tourism fair.
Klaus Wowereit, mayor of Berlin, center, poses with two dancers at Mexico's booth today during the city's tourism fair.   (AP Photo)
A friendliness offensive aims to put smiles on the faces of famously grim Berliners.
A "friendliness offensive" aims to put smiles on the faces of famously grim Berliners.   (AP Photo)
Tourists walk past one of the most famous paintings of the East Side Gallery as renovation works start in Berlin, Germany.
Tourists walk past one of the most famous paintings of the East Side Gallery as renovation works start in Berlin, Germany.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
JackieBrown
Mar 12, 2009 2:11 AM CDT
tourism convention?...interesting. the only reason to visit berlin was torn down 20 years ago
hannesh
Mar 11, 2009 10:25 PM CDT
It's a great city! One of my favorite cities in Germany, it has this bohemian quality, artsy districts. Could not complain about the frowns.

Berlin tourism hits new high
Reuters

From 2006: Frowning Berliners gear up for World Cup
Der Spiegel

 
Germany • tourism • Berlin • manners

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