Popular ski resort: East Tyrol attracts guests from Croatia
We spoke with Franz Theurl, director of the East Tyrol Tourist Organization in Austria.
How is the ski season progressing at the Ski Resorts in East Tyrol? Is there enough snow and visitors?
The ski season in East Tyrol is very good. Between November and January, we recorded an increase of 2 percent in overnight stays compared to last year. Considering the unique sales offer of our ski resorts, which are endless expanse, panoramic views and excellent conditions due to altitude and state -of -the -art preparation, we are completely satisfied with the situation. Despite increasing the number of visitors, our ski resorts maintain high quality standards: skiers enjoy large expanses where they can do large turns, and there are no longer waiting for ski lifts.
How many visitors from Croatia have hosted this winter and what are these figures compared to last winter?
This winter, we have received 34 percent more guests from Croatia this winter than last year. This emphasizes the increasing attraction of Eastern Tyrol as a valued destination for guests from Croatia.
What new offers of East Tyrol tourist workers have this winter for their guests?
There is a special emphasis on a series of concerts « Summit Sessions » at the Lienzer Zettersfeld ski resort: every other Sunday local bands perform live at the Steinermandl Towder Station, which creates a wonderful atmosphere for skiing and music lovers. Another exciting addition to the illuminated trails for skiing in Lavant and Prägraten, which allows visitors to enjoy skiing even in the evening. More news and accents from our destination can be found on osttirol.com.
What activities and attractions besides skiing, Croatian skiers love the most during their winter in Eastern Tyrol?
After active days on slopes, many guests from Croatia enjoy the day off for the winter hiking on our well -maintained winter paths. Kapitsch in Eastern Tyrol is the first Austrian certified village for a winter hiking, but there are also fantastic trails in eight other villages, including Kals am Großglockner and St. Jacob in Defereggen. In addition, guests enjoy the ski run at more than 400 km of certified slopes or honor the mountain experience of embarking on skiing tours.
Eastern Tyrol is known to offer excellent food, and gastronomy is attracted to more and more tourists. Did Croatian visitors, who once brought with them their own at home saved food such as Sarma, adopted the habit of eating in restaurants?
More and more guests from Croatia reveal the culinary scene of East Tyrol and enjoys the diversity of regional specialties at local restaurants. In addition to traditional famous dishes such as Schlipfkrapfen, the region also offers a dining for top food lovers: Eastern Tyrol boasts with 25 Gault Millau points and one restaurant with a Michelin star, making it focus of food lovers who value quality and regional originality. In addition to excellent food, guests also appreciate warm hospitality in our restaurants.
Prices are always a hot topic, and in summer and in winter tourism. Did those in eastern Tyrol rose significantly compared to the last ski season?
We are very aware that our guests inflation a painful point, and we are committed to offering our ski enthusiasts an excellent value for the price. It is of particular interest for adolescents up to 18 years of age to profit from the price for children, which is a unique offer in Austria.
The highlight of the winter season will be in just a few days. What nationality do they dominate at Austrian ski resorts during this period?
Our ski slopes attract a mixture of international guests. Currently, most visitors come from Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Croatia and Slovenia. Such diversity emphasizes the broad acceptance and the high quality of our ski resorts.
Once the highlight of the ski season is peaked, most of the hosts lower the prices. How about how about?
Prices depend on several factors, including demand, special events, and individual host offers. Many accommodation units adjust their prices according to the season, so for current offers and discounts it is best to check them directly with service providers.
The tourist year does not end when the snow is melted – tourism in Austria practically lasts throughout the year. What does East Tyrol offer visitors in the spring and summer?
In the spring, « white peaks meet with spring », which applies to Eastern Tyrol. At a higher altitude, it is still possible to enjoy skiing tours, while our valleys are already starting the first hiking, climbing and cycling tours. Summer offers ideal conditions for tourists on active vacation and families. Whether hiking (at greater distances), cycling or climb – Eastern Tyrol with its untouched nature and a wide range of options for active vacation on each leaves a strong impression. In the fall, the emphasis is completely on exercise and fun. A clear view from the highlights and huts as well as regional culture and gastronomy make this season especially attractive to nature lovers and lovers of good food.
Do Croatian visitors come to East Tyrol during the spring and summer months?
Yes, East Tyrol attracts guests from Croatia and in warmer months. Last summer, we had about 1,000 guests from Croatia, with an average of two nights. This shows that Eastern Tyrol is a popular destination for a short break.
