Austrians have little desire for skiing holidays

In tourism, this winter season has so far been affected by the lack of snow in January. The industry is hoping for a strong February, which is traditionally the month of the season with the highest sales thanks to the semester break. “Winter was really well booked, but things are looking worse in January,” said Ruefa boss Helga Freund in a press conference on Wednesday. Snow is needed at short notice, then bookings will be made again at short notice.

20 percent fewer bookings

The tour operator has so far booked 20 percent less in winter than before the corona crisis. On the one hand, that depends on the snow, but: “Fewer Austrians go on skiing holidays,” the board member added.

Irresponsible, no desire

According to a survey commissioned by the company, winter skiing holidays are only on the agenda for nine percent. The reasons for this speak for themselves: 38 percent of those surveyed fundamentally dislike skiing holidays, 28 percent think it’s too expensive, 15 percent don’t have a budget for it and 10 percent consider it “irresponsible due to the energy crisis. 8 percent said they didn’t want to another 6 percent have “no time”, 4 percent have concerns about Corona and also 4 percent are “afraid of shutdowns or energy saving measures”. “Many prefer to afford a longer summer vacation,” Freund summarized.

The noticeably declining inquiries from Austria and Germany – the two most important holidaymaker markets – are having an impact on this year’s winter bookings. According to Freund, the Germans are down 35 percent in bookings for this winter.

The tourism expert is hoping for February. Bookings by the Dutch are roughly at the pre-crisis level of 2019, those by the English even higher. “Of course it’s important that snow comes, otherwise there will be problems.”