2023-11-27 10:43:00
In one season, around 197,000 cruise passengers arrive in the city of Linz, which has a population of 210,000. On average, they spend more than 18 euros per day in the state capital’s bars and shops. The domestic tourism industry wants to make even better use of the potential of ship tourists in the future. “A key goal is to increase added value on land. That’s why we are increasingly offering packages in the surrounding area,” said State Economics Councilor Markus Achleitner (VP) at the start of the international industry meeting in Linz. Linz boat tourists would rather book city tours and short visits to the region instead of taking day trips to Salzburg or Český Krumlov. This trend must be used, said Linz Mayor Klaus Luger (SP).
Under the motto “New times. Sustainability is changing Danube cruises”, the focus of the conference, which will take place until Wednesday, is on environmental challenges. According to the European Union’s guidelines, shipping must be converted to carbon-free technologies by 2050.
E-stations instead of diesel generators
In order to protect the environment, Upper Austria will – as reported – electrify ten piers along the Danube. The new shore power systems will be put into operation in the 2024 season, i.e. from spring. While the electricity from anchored ships was previously generated by diesel generators, in the future it will be supplied from the new stations via mobile charging cables. 5.8 million euros will be invested in converting the piers – seven in Linz and three in Engelhartszell. The power supply using diesel generators has repeatedly been sharply criticized because of the high noise and odor pollution.
“We want to bring the river and land sides together to see both perspectives. The goal of both sides is to develop a sustainable program for guests and residents of the region,” said Petra Riffert, managing director of the Danube Upper Austria Tourism Association.
The international Danube shipping and tourism conference will take place for the 27th time until Wednesday, November 29th. The federal states of Upper Austria and Lower Austria have now brought the established industry meeting place to Austria.
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