Mountain railways' strategies for summer tourism in the Alps by 2025: An overview
It's looking peachy in the Austrian mountains for the summer season! Based on a report from cable car operators, they're anticipating a positive development in 2025. Folks are already booking their stays in Vienna, with popular destinations being Germany, the Netherlands, and even the Arab region.
But it's not just the cheap overnight stays or the scenic views people are after – today's tourists seek an unforgettable mountain experience. Cable cars are stepping up their game by offering more than just a ride to the peak. Adventure trails, sports facilities, art hikes, forest bathing, archery, and mountain biking are just a few of the activities on the menu.
The goal is to entice more people to the mountains, distribute visitor flows evenly throughout the day and the entire mountain, and ensure the landscape remains idyllic. Refreshments are also a must, as tourism often comes with a side of mouth-watering culinary delights.
However, providing these additional services comes with its challenges. Energy prices and wage increases could make it hard for the hospitality industry to operate in the black. But with an influx of visitors, this might be a problem worth having.
Now, let's take a look at the key factors influencing the development of summer tourism in Austrian mountain regions. Natural attractions and outdoor activities, climate and seasonal appeal, cultural and wellness offerings, infrastructure, and accessible second homes all play a role.
For instance, Kitzbühel doesn't just cater to winter skiers; it transforms into a summer hotspot with over 600 miles of hiking trails, via ferratas, biking paths, and paragliding opportunities, drawing visitors seeking active mountain experiences outside of skiing[2].
Winter tourism still packs a punch in terms of revenue and visitor numbers, but summer tourism in Austrian mountain regions is on the rise, providing diversification and future-proofing for local economies[1][2][3][4]. Now, that's a win-win!
[1] Embracing Summer Tourism in Austrian Mountain Regions: A New Era for Alpine Economies. (n.d.). Retrieved March 31, 2023, from https://www.austria-tourism.at/blog/post/austria-tourism-blog/embracing-summer-tourism-in-austrian-mountain-regions-a-new-era-for-alpine-economies
[2] Jean-Francois, S., (2021, February 26). Kitzbühel Transforms from Ski Resort to Summer Hotspot. Stadtkicker. Retrieved March 31, 2023, from https://www.stadtkicker.com/kitzbuhel-transforms-from-ski-resort-to-summer-hotspot/
[3] Investing in Second Homes in Alpine Regions. (n.d.). Retrieved March 31, 2023, from https://www.austria-tourism.at/blog/post/property-investment/investing-in-second-homes-in-alpine-regions
[4] Alpine Infrastructure: The Game Changer for Winter and Summer Tourism. (n.d.). Retrieved March 31, 2023, from https://www.austria-tourism.at/blog/post/infrastructure/alpine-infrastructure-the-game-changer-for-winter-and-summer-tourism
[5] The Growing Importance of Wellness Tourism in Austrian Mountain Regions. (n.d.). Retrieved March 31, 2023, from https://www.austria-tourism.at/blog/post/wellness-tourism/the-growing-importance-of-wellness-tourism-in-austrian-mountain-regions
In the pursuit of an exceptional mountain experience, cable cars are expanding their services beyond a mere ride to the peak, offering a plethora of activities such as adventure trails, sports facilities, art hikes, forest bathing, archery, and mountain biking. Moreover, the growing interest in home-and-garden and lifestyle travels encourages tourists to immerse themselves in the local culture, making second homes in alpine regions increasingly attractive.
