Economics & Tourism Provincial Councilor Markus Achleitner Speaks Out On Kasberg Insolvency
Soeaking oin the mpending insolvency and risk of insolvency at Almtal Bergbahnen Economics and Tourism Provincial Councilor Markus Achleitner said "The state of Upper Austria was informed of the impending insolvency and risk of insolvency at Almtal Bergbahnen GmbH - the top priority must now be to strengthen tourism in the entire region, with a year-round orientation"
"The state of Upper Austria was informed by the operating company and the owner communities about the impending insolvency and risk of insolvency of the Almtal Bergbahnen. Yesterday's shareholders' and general meeting also determined that there was a loss of EUR 1.318 million in the past 2022/23 season with sales of EUR 1.5 million. According to the valid resolution of the state parliament, the state can take over a maximum of 1 million euros from this loss. This leaves 318,000 million euros uncovered because the owner communities say they cannot finance this amount. A loss of 1.5 million euros is forecast for the coming season, of which the state can only take a maximum of 1 million euros. According to the owner communities, they are also unable to finance the remaining 500,000 euros. From today's perspective, an imminent end for the mountain railways on the Kasberg seems inevitable," emphasizes Markus Achleitner, State Councilor for Economic Affairs and Tourism.
"The primary goal should now be to create new future prospects for tourism in the entire Almtal-Kasberg region, regardless of the continued existence of the mountain railways and with a focus on year-round operation. The state of Upper Austria is ready to support measures in this direction," addedAchleitner.
In addition to the uncovered loss of 318,000 euros for the past season and the forecast uncovered loss of 500,000 euros for any upcoming winter operations, there is also a massive financing requirement for investments in the operating systems in order to be able to continue skiing at all: in particular for the renewal of the snow-making systems and the group orbit (GUB) would have to be spent in total around 40 million euros.
“The State Audit Office has also determined that continuing the status quo is not expedient. The minimum goal must be that the operating company can cover ongoing operations itself. According to the existing concepts, however, this would only be realistic if summer operation is also possible. However, the affected landowners have not given their consent for this," adds State Councilor Achleitner. In addition, the operating company has terminated the operating contract for the mountain railways.
"All possibilities should now be used to strengthen tourism in the entire Almtal-Kasberg region. With the beautiful nature, the Almsee, the animal park and many other offers, there is great potential for year-round gentle tourism, which should also be used accordingly. This would also give the Kasberg a new perspective for the future, for example with hiking and mountaineering in summer and ski touring in winter. The state of Upper Austria will support all measures that go in this direction," concluded Achleitner.
