2023-08-21 07:34:20
8 out of 10 of the best Austrian summer mountain railways can be easily reached by public transport – 70 percent satisfied with the course of the season so far
Vienna (OTS) – The best Austrian summer mountain railways have been a pioneer in domestic summer mountain tourism for more than 20 years. They see it as their responsibility to create sustainable natural mountain experiences and to provide their guests with the best possible information regarding sustainability on the way to and on the mountain. This is well received by the guests of the summer mountain railways: this season, the number of visitors to the mountain railways has increased by up to 15 percent in some cases.
Climate-friendly to the summit
Global tourism causes eight to ten percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. With regard to climate developments, the environmental balance of travel must be improved. Not only the choice of destination, but also the choice of means of transport for the journey and holiday behavior play an important role.
The best Austrian summer mountain railways are aware of these developments and are actively taking sustainable measures. The attractiveness for the guests is increased through regular exchange and cooperation, for example in the area of mobility via joint regional guest cards including free use of public transport. Car sharing offers, electromobility and combination tickets have also been standard for summer mountain railways for years.
“Sustainability is basically nothing new for us. Ever since we were founded, the quality initiative of the Cable Car Association in the Austrian Chamber of Commerce has focused on varied mountain experiences that are in harmony with the needs of nature, the region and the guests. Sustainability criteria are also included in the certification process,” says Kornel Grundner, spokesman for the best Austrian summer mountain railways. “In recent years, the desire of our guests, employees or partners has become increasingly noticeable that we make this sustainability even more visible and bring it in front of the curtain. With the numerous sustainability initiatives, we enable you to have unforgettable nature experiences in the unique Austrian mountains in a climate-friendly manner. We also make the path from the valley up to the summit climate-friendly. Even the so-called last mile is not a stumbling block.”
The most recent flash survey among the 77 member companies shows that over 80 percent of the best Austrian summer mountain railways can be easily reached on foot in 5 to 10 minutes from a public transport station.
Cooperation with public transport
Many travel destinations in Austria can be reached by train or bus. The reason for this is mainly cooperation with public long-distance, local and regional transport. At the best Austrian summer mountain railways, 56.8 percent take specific measures in the area of climate-neutral mobility. Cooperation with public transport was entered into by 46.3 percent of the members surveyed, as the quick survey shows. Other collaborative projects are in the pipeline.
A flagship project in Salzburg, for example, is the electric Loigom shuttle, which complements the existing route network in Leogang with the on-demand service.
There are other attractive offers in cooperation with ÖBB Railtours, which includes numerous mountain railway summer offers.
“The best Austrian summer mountain railways try to make their offers more climate-friendly from season to season. The way to our mountains is also included. We want our guests to be able to travel climate-neutral from the front door to the summit,” confirms Grundner. “In the coming season we therefore want to push further cooperations.”
More guests despite bad weather
The latest lightning survey among members confirms: the sustainable strategy is popular. Although the weather in July was mixed, the best Austrian summer mountain railways have had a good summer so far. Almost 70 percent of the mountain railways describe the season as satisfactory, if not very satisfactory. 78 percent have an increase in visitor numbers of up to 15 percent. When the weather is unstable, the use of the mountain railway is very popular. If a thunderstorm comes up, guests can quickly get back down to the valley with the mountain railways.
This is particularly important for families, the most frequent group of guests. In addition to parents with children, the best Austrian summer mountain railways were once once more visited by many bikers. The MTB offers of the mountain railways remain a visitor magnet.
“The 2023 summer season has so far been positive for the best Austrian summer mountain railways, despite the unstable weather. We are very satisfied with the development of the number of guests and our sustainable mountain experiences. We are very optimistic regarding the fall,” says Grundner. If the weather is good, the best Austrian summer mountain railways expect similar results to the previous year at the end of the season. “We are looking forward to a golden autumn, which is known to be the ideal time for a hiking or active holiday in the Austrian mountains,” Grundner concludes.
About the “Best Austrian Summer Mountain Railways” seal of approval
The quality seal Best Austrian Summer Mountain Railways is an initiative of the Association of Cable Cars (Austrian Chamber of Commerce). The seal of quality unites the experts and pioneers of local summer mountain tourism and now has 77 members with 94 themed mountains. The seal of approval is an important decision-making criterion when choosing a destination, especially for summer holidaymakers who have no mountain experience. Only companies that meet at least 160 quality criteria become members of the best Austrian summer mountain railways. Specialized in five theme worlds – adventure, family, panorama & nature experience, enjoyment, art & culture – the members have to pass a recertification every three years. (PWK262/HSP)
Questions & contact:
DMC – Data & Media Center
press office
Austrian Chamber of Commerce
T 0590 900 – 4462
dmc_pr@wko.at
1692603263
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