Munich, Germany - June 14, 2024

Storyline:
Football fans from across Europe have been descending on Germany, host of the UEFA EURO 2024 football championship, for a month-long football extravaganza that is expected to fuel local economic prosperity as the tournament progresses.

The tournament, held from June 14 to July 14, 2024 across 10 German cities, showcases the huge economic potential of hosting major sporting events which bring in revenue from ticket sales, merchandise, travel, accommodation, and post-match celebrations.

Most of the football fans in Munich interviewed by China Central Television (CCTV) said their biggest expense was match tickets, followed by accommodation and transport.

Fans who can't secure match tickets are gathering in designated fan zones in host cities to watch the tournament.

Bar and restaurant owners have upgraded equipment in advance to cater to the throngs of fans, and ensured an ample supply of food and alcoholic beverages to accommodate them.

According to the Ifo Institute for Economic Research, EURO 2024 is expected to bring an additional one billion euros (1.07 billion U.S. dollars) into the German economy from visiting fans.

Around 600,000 additional international tourists are expected to visit Germany for the event, leading to 1.5 million extra overnight stays during the tournament, said ifo researcher Gerome Wolf, adding that it will boost sales in the country's hospitality industry.

Shotlist:
Munich, Germany - June 14, 2024:
1. Various of football fans on street;
2. Football fans on elevator;
3. Various of football fans cheering on train;
4. SOUNDBITE (German) football fan (name not given):
"I decided early on that I would go to the tournament and was prepared to spend a lot of money. My budget for tickets ranged from 200 to 300 euros per match. Germany is the host country, so I want to watch the match live.";
5. SOUNDBITE (German) football fan (name not given) (ending with shot 6):
"The most expensive part for us was the train tickets. We traveled in groups to watch the matches, and the round trip cost us 120 euros per person. The hotel prices also increased because of the tournament. Of course, we had to go to the bars, and beer was essential before and after the match. Beer in Munich doesn't come cheap.";
Berlin, Germany - Recent
6. Various of football fans having meals, drinking beers, watching match in restaurant;
7. SOUNDBITE (German) Maximilian, restaurant owner (full name not given) (ending with shot 8):
"We installed a large screen in preparation for Euro 2024, which have attracted many more customers. After the matches, many fans came to celebrate, providing us with great business opportunities. Our customer flow has increased by 15 percent. We cheer for the German team and hope they would achieve better results to bring us full house of customers.";
8. Various of football fans having meals, drinking beers, watching match at outdoor dining area.

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