Graz (October 8, 2024).- What does Styria stand for? From industry to tourism, from culinary to science, from research to culture: Styria convincingly demonstrated its strengths with the proverbial warmth this evening (October 8, 2024). Well over 300 guests from all areas of society followed the invitation “The Green Heart in Vienna” from Governor Christopher Drexler, Deputy Governor Anton Lang and State Councilor for Economic Affairs and Tourism Barbara Eibinger-Miedl to the heart of Vienna, in the Kursalon Hübner.
Governor Christopher Drexler: “The Green Heart has endless things to offer. It is a powerful symbol, with double symbolism. As a sign that radiates far beyond the borders of what the country and its people are like – which appeals to so many guests from all over the world every year. And as a symbol of what the country is for the people: Styria is a matter of the heart. When the Green Heart comes to Vienna, we want to show who we are. Then we want to advertise one of the most innovative locations in Europe. Because Styria is so much more than excellent cuisine, beautiful landscapes and diverse culture. Styria has innovation in its DNA and our Styrian companies are leaders in a wide variety of sectors – from the development of pioneering technologies in the field of mobility to progress in green technologies. All of these are special features of our Styria, united in the Green Heart. I am pleased that so many Styrians came today and showed their connection to their homeland. I invite everyone to be ambassadors for Styria and to carry on the Styrian attitude to life.”
State Councilor for Economic Affairs and Tourism Barbara Eibinger-Miedl underlined the strengths of Styria: “Styria is one of the most diverse regions in Europe. In addition to globally successful industrial companies and innovative small and medium-sized companies, our state is also home to internationally renowned universities and research institutions. We also score points with unique relaxation rooms. This makes the Green Heart of Austria a perfect place to live and work.”
Ursula LacknerState Councilor for Climate Protection and the Environment: “From the wilderness area in the far north to the vineyards in the South Styria Nature Park, from the Dachstein Glacier to the orchards in Eastern Styria, from alpine pastures and rugged rock faces to colorful wildflower meadows and fertile farmland – Styria is unique in its diversity. Here biodiversity can be experienced by everyone. And the word is getting around internationally.”
Kurt MaierPresident of IV-Steiermark: “Industry and Styria are inextricably linked. This starts with the core of our prosperity – after all, industry generates over a third of Styria’s gross value added. And our innovative strength is also based on the unique symbiosis of industry and research. Our companies also carry the green in their hearts all over the world through efficient high-tech products. That’s exactly what we want to present in Vienna and of course far beyond.”
The appearance was organized by Styrian Tourism and Location Marketing GmbH (STG). A selection of industrial and scientific presentations from the Industrial Association to Joanneum Research, among others, playfully invited people to get to know Green Tech Valley’s balcony power plant with solar cells, for example. The start-up Dayholi, which recently implemented a project with Kevin Costner, is also there in Vienna and will build a dome with which you can experience VR with all five senses. From a culinary point of view, master chefs Heinz Reitbauer, Konstantin Filippou, Richard Rauch and Johann Lafer, to name just a few, served up Styrian delicacies.
“Styria is the culinary heart of Austria,” emphasizes Starkoch Heinz Reitbauer.
The Green Heart in Vienna, like the Styrian Spring at Rathausplatz, was organized by Steirische Tourismus und Lagemarketing GmbH, which has set the ambitious goal of making Styria stronger both nationally and internationally as a location for business, technology, science and culture, in addition to tourism to take center stage.
“From the Ausseer-Saibling to the automotive industry, from the wooden drone and the longest train track in the world to the Zirbitzkogel, Styria stands for innovation, diversity and creativity. We always like to show that under the umbrella of the Green Heart,” says Michael HolidayManaging Director of Styrian Tourism and Location Marketing GmbH.
Also guests: Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner, Education Minister Martin Polaschek, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner, State Secretary Susanne Kraus-Winkler, Ulrike Rauch-Keschmann (Ministry of Economic Affairs) were guests, as were Kurt Maier and Georg Knill (both Industrial Association), the ambassadors with heart Christina Wilfinger, Johanna Pirker, Boris Bukowski. LK President Franz Titschenbacher, Consul Rudi Roth, Katrin Hohensinner-Häupl (frutura), Peter Umundum (Post), Horst Pirker (Publisher), TUI Austria boss Gottfried Math and artist Tom Lohner, Riding School boss Alfred Hudler, Wolfgang Grimus ( Graz Airport), Marko Mele (Universalmuseum Joanneum), Günter Dörflinger (COO Christof Group), Wolfgang Schaller (ORF Steiermark), Katrin Hohensinner-Häupl (frutura), Stefan Polzhofer (KAPO Fenstern), Josef Rieberer (Murauer Brewery), Christian Briggl (Estyria), President of the Court of Audit Margit Kraker, Peter Pakesch and Michaela Leutzendorff Pakesch from culture as well as numerous representatives from the Styrian adventure regions as well as from thermal baths and cable cars, to name just a few.
Graz, October 8, 2024
