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http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2B ... 36746.htmlIT DID not take long for the world financial crisis to affect the world's oldest profession in Germany.In one of the few countries where prostitution is legal, the industry has responded with an economic-stimulus package of its own, including modern marketing tools, rebates and gimmicks to boost falling demand.Some brothels have cut prices or added free promotions, while others have introduced all-inclusive flat-rate fees.Free shuttle buses, discounts for seniors and taxi drivers, as well as "day passes", are among several marketing strategies designed to keep business going.Ms Karin Ahrens, who manages the Yes, Sir brothel in Hanover, told Reuters that revenue had dropped by 30 per cent at her establishment while turnover had fallen by as much as 50 per cent at other clubs."Clients are being tight with their money... You can't charge for the extras any more and there is pressure to cut prices.Everyone wants a deal. Special promotions are essential these days," said Ms Ahrens.Added Ms Anke Christiansen, manager of the GeizHaus brothel in Hamburg: "The regular customers who used to come by two or three times a week are coming by only once or twice a week now."Germany has about 400,000 professional prostitutes, both female and male. In 2002, new legislation allowed prostitutes to advertise and to enter into formal labour contracts.Annual revenues are about 14 billion euros (S$27 billion), according to an estimate by the Verdi services union.Berlin's Pussy Club has attracted media attention with its headline-grabbing "flat rate" - a 70-euro admission charge for unlimited food, drink and sex between 10am and 4pm.Said club manager Stefan, who requested his surname not be published: "You've got to come up with creative solutions these days."Our offer might sound like it's too good to be true, but it's real. You can eat as much as you want, drink as much as you want and have as much sex as you want."Other novel ideas include loyalty cards, group sex parties and rebates for golf players.- REUTERS
