“Tourism needs a gentle concept and a sharper profile,” was the OÖN thesis almost six years ago. What has happened since then? In Upper Austria Tourism, it is pointed out that the associations are clearly from 103 to 19. Regarding positioning, it says: The state is not a mass tourism destination and needs to position itself much more strongly as a quality destination. The basis for this is the state tourism strategy 2022 with “Experiences in intact natural areas” as an essential component.
For the leisure researcher Peter Zellmann, the regions are far too little involved: On the whole, you are not wrong with strategy papers, he says in an OÖN conversation. “However, master plans and guidelines always want to educate a little and are too interchangeable.”
Economic and Tourism Councilor Markus Achleitner sees himself confirmed in the country’s strategy: “Corona has clearly shown that everything that happens outside is trendy,” he says shortly after he stepped off the e-bike on the Danube. with which he advertises cycling along the river. “Our principle is: Tourism must take place in harmony with nature.” The various interests – regardless of whether they are mountain bikers, hikers, farmers or forest owners – have to be brought under one roof.
Low-threshold processes
This does not go far enough for the expert: In addition, low-threshold processes are necessary, in which the responsible persons of the respective regions and external moderators are involved, according to Zellmann. The results would then be used to develop sustainable concepts.
“These projects take one to two years. Very few people take the time,” says the tourism researcher who, for example, was involved in the implementation of the “Model Region Neusiedlersee”.
The Upper Austrian Tourism wants to involve the population: “We must not see the respective programs in isolation from tourism, but have to show the local people what benefits they will get from the investments,” says managing director Andreas Winkelhofer.
According to Provincial Councilor Achleitner, when implementing gentle tourism, it is also important to reconcile the various interests – whether of mountain bikers, hikers or farmers, for example. And: With the help of measures such as route guidance or digital booking systems to prevent overcrowded parking spaces, one tries to steer the flow of visitors in a more sustainable way.
Pick up vacationers when they need it
Zellmann advises avoiding regulations or even bans as much as possible. “The goal is to consciously lead the vacationers there. What they understand by environmentally friendly travel and vacation is not so important. It is essential that they participate.”
That was already the case decades ago, when accommodation providers began to only change the towels that guests had left on the bathroom floor. Zellmann: “The important thing is to meet the tourists with their needs and at the same time to promote their environmental awareness.”
According to preliminary calculations, the number of arrivals in Upper Austria after the openings in May and June was a good 310,000 and the number of overnight stays was around 928,000. For comparison: in 2019 and thus before the crisis, around 649,000 arrivals and 1.56 million overnight stays were counted.
Asked
“Corona has shown that everything that happens outside is trendy.
Tourism must take place in harmony with nature and the various interests. “
Markus Achleitner, State Councilor for Economic and Tourism Affairs
“We mustn’t see tourist programs in isolation. We must also always make the population aware of the benefits they will get from the investments. “
Andreas Winkelhofer, Managing Director of Upper Austria Tourism
“Master plans and guidelines want to educate a bit and are too interchangeable. Instead of regulations and prohibitions, the vacationers need to be deliberately and gently guided. “
Peter Zellmann, tourism and leisure researcher
33 theses for a better Upper Austria
What does the country need to have a good future? The OÖN will analyze this up to the state parliament, municipal council and mayoral elections on September 26th.
# 23: Soft tourism with clout
WHAT HAPPENED ??
Upper Austria has committed itself to gentle, natural tourism and has also strategically maintained this.
?? AND WHAT HAS TO HAPPEN
Instead of prescribed master plans and guidelines, from the perspective of experts it is necessary to develop concepts jointly with the companies concerned.
