2006年VOA标准英语-World Cup Economic Bounce Disappoints Germany

By George Dwyer
Washington, DC
10 July 2006
 
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France faced off against Italy in the World Cup championship match in Berlin and was defeated. Now it turns out that is not the only disappointment. The Germans expected an economic boost from the games that now appears to have fallen short as well.

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German national soccer team player Lukas Podolski, center, gestures during team training session in Berlin, Thursday  
  
Germans were hoping for a substantial boost to their economy as a result of hosting this year's World Cup. Two million tourists -- twice as many as expected -- fanned out across the country during the month-long tournament, spending their travel dollars on meals, lodging¹, and Cup-related merchandise. But Germany's Institute for Economic Research is now predicting the effect of the Games on national economic growth will tally² out at an unimpressive .25 percent. 

 
Gerdt Wagner
  
Economist³ Gerdt Wagner suspected this might happen. "The event is simply too small to be able to influence the national economy. Several billion (euros) will be invested, but that investment was split over a few years and is simply too small to give a kick to economic growth. Also, the amount of the investment is disputable because the investment in infrastructure⁴ would have happened anyway."

Despite expanded trading hours, many German shops report that business is down -- bad news for merchants, but also for the German government. It was counting on increased tax revenue from Cup-related sales to help stimulate⁵ the national economy and shake off a prolonged period of stagnation⁶.

Addidas sales of the official footballs increased over 2002  
  
A survey of visitors conducted by Germany's tourist authority found more than 90 percent felt welcome in Germany and would recommend it as a tourist destination. Why they did not spend more is still being debated, although there were some economic winners.  

 
Flag sales were up throughout Germany
  
World Cup sponsor Adidas reports a sales increase of 30 percent, or $1.5 billion during the tournament. The company has sold 15 million of the official World Cup 'Team Spirit' football, compared to just six million of its 2002 World Cup model.

Finally, flag manufacturers scored big. One department store reported a rise in flag sales of nearly 1,000 percent. That is prompting some to suggest that the biggest benefit of the Games may turn out to have come without a price tag attached.

1 lodging   

n.寄宿，住所；(大学生的)校外宿舍

参考例句：

• The bill is inclusive of the food and lodging. 账单包括吃、住费用。
• Where can you find lodging for the night? 你今晚在哪里借宿?

2 tally   

n.计数器，记分，一致，测量；vt.计算，记录，使一致；vi.计算，记分，一致

参考例句：

• Don't forget to keep a careful tally of what you spend.别忘了仔细记下你的开支账目。
• The facts mentioned in the report tally to every detail.报告中所提到的事实都丝毫不差。

3 economist   

n.经济学家，经济专家，节俭的人

参考例句：

• He cast a professional economist's eyes on the problem.他以经济学行家的眼光审视这个问题。
• He's an economist who thinks he knows all the answers.他是个经济学家，自以为什么都懂。

4 infrastructure   

n.下部构造，下部组织，基础结构，基础设施

参考例句：

• We should step up the development of infrastructure for research.加强科学基础设施建设。
• We should strengthen cultural infrastructure and boost various types of popular culture.加强文化基础设施建设，发展各类群众文化。

5 stimulate   

vt.刺激，使兴奋；激励，使…振奋

参考例句：

• Your encouragement will stimulate me to further efforts.你的鼓励会激发我进一步努力。
• Success will stimulate the people for fresh efforts.成功能鼓舞人们去作新的努力。

6 stagnation   

n. 停滞

参考例句：

• Poor economic policies led to a long period of stagnation and decline. 糟糕的经济政策道致了长时间的经济萧条和下滑。
• Motion is absolute while stagnation is relative. 运动是绝对的，而静止是相对的。