22 January 2021
Nicknamed the ‘New Berlin’, Leipzig is located in what was the German Democratic Republic, better known as East Germany. Once known as an international destination for trade fairs, the city has metamorphosed into a growing destination for various sectors. Business travel to Leipzig is becoming increasingly popular, and if that’s on the cards for you, you can use our guide to make the most of your time in the city.
Leipzig’s transformation began in the mid-1990s, although the change really gained momentum in the last 10 years or so. The city now boasts several clusters of sector specialists, which attract international meetings and other business events in their respective industries. The most important of those clusters include information technology (IT) and eCommerce, automotive and logistics, healthcare and biotechnology, energy and environmental technology, and manufacturing.
This dynamic city also has a solid reputation as one of the most vigorous start-up ecosystems in eastern Germany. Leipzig is home to more than 250 start-ups, and it has seen more than 500 tech companies relocate to the city over the last decade. Furthermore, the city’s airport and the adjoining DHL hub are Germany’s second-largest and Europe’s fourth-largest airfreight hub.
As a destination for international business, Leipzig is ripe with potential. Beyond that, the city is also a fantastic destination if you want to combine business with leisure. With origins in the Middle Ages, Leipzig has a rich cultural history, and its connections with the works of two of Germany’s most illustrious creative minds, namely Goethe and Bach, have long been celebrated.
If you’re looking for a business hotel in Leipzig, look no further than Capri by Fraser Leipzig. With a great location in the Old Town, a selection of room options, and facilities designed to make your stay more comfortable, our hotel is the place to be. Learn more below.
The Leipzig central business district is near Augustusplatz in Leipzig Zentrum. You’ll find a high number of shops, restaurants, banks, and offices in this part of town. However, the city has various other districts in which various industries are concentrated. Whether you’re going to be conducting most of your business in the central business and finance district or in other parts of the city, the good news is you won’t have to travel far. With a population of less than 600,000, the city itself is relatively small, and it has excellent transport links. In addition to well-maintained roadways and plenty of options for car hire and cabs, there are buses and trams. Leipzig’s also easily walkable, depending on how far you need to go.
Not only is our hotel near the airport in Leipzig, it’s also a few steps away from the central train station in the city centre so perfect for business travellers looking for convenience and home comforts. When you stay with us, you’re conveniently close to the business and finance district and to transport links that can take you to other areas of the city in which you need to attend meetings or want to do some sightseeing.
One of the most important things to know about business travel to Leipzig is that business culture may be somewhat different to what you’re used to. The following tips for professionals offer you a good introduction to what to expect:
Business and Banking Hours – Business hours vary from sector to sector, although most offices are open between 9am and 5.30pm, Monday through Friday. Banking hours usually are from 8.30am to 4pm on weekdays, although some branches are open until 6pm on Thursdays. Banks at the airport and main train stations open at 6.30am and close as late as 10.30pm.
Greeting Business Counterparts – Greet your German counterparts in Leipzig by using their title and surname and continue addressing them like this until they invite you to use their first names. Remember to respect the chain of command. Give a firm handshake and make eye contact when greeting. Unlike many other parts of Europe, you should never attempt to greet a woman with a kiss.
Punctuality and Running Late – Make every effort to get to meetings and social functions on time when on business travel in Leipzig. However, you don’t need to panic too much if you are running late, as it’s acceptable to arrive up to 15 minutes late.
Dress Code – Suits are standard attire for business meetings. Keep your casual clothes (and that includes jeans) for informal dining and sightseeing. The city’s more exclusive restaurants usually have a jacket-and-tie dress code for male patrons. Women should choose more formal clothing for social functions.
Take advantage of Capri by Fraser Leipzig’s Just Like Home offer if you’re going to be staying in the city for longer than 28 nights. In addition to a discounted rate, the package includes an array of amenities and perks, such as complimentary one-way airport transfer, a welcome hamper, access to various hotel facilities such as a business centre and gym, twice-weekly housekeeping, and more.
Leipzig boasts several annual events that are important for business and trade in various sectors. The biggest of them is the Leipzig Trade Fair, which attracts tens of thousands of exhibitors and more than 1 million visitors.
The impressive location includes exhibition halls, outdoor areas, the huge glass hall, the Congress Centre Leipzig, and other facilities. In addition to the trade fair itself, the facilities are used by various groups for conferences, expos, and meetings.
Our business hotel in Leipzig offers excellent facilities for added comfort and convenience. You’ll find a business centre as well as meeting facilities, a social space in which you can relax with a casual drink and conversation after work, a contemporary European restaurant that serves up breakfast, an on-site laundrette, and a fully equipped gym. If you choose for your family to join you, they can take advantage of these facilities too. Even if they just visit for the weekend, they’ll be well looked after.
Contact us today to start planning your business travel to Leipzig.