Tyrolean Lift Co’s Look To The Future
Under the motto "Cable cars in transition", the "Cable Car Meeting 2024" took place on December 2nd in the Tyrol Chamber of Commerce. Numerous representatives of the Tyrolean cable car industry discussed current challenges and perspectives.
Despite global uncertainties and economic challenges, the Tyrolean cable car industry remains confident. "We are optimistic about the coming winter season. This assessment is not naive optimism, but is based on the realization that we are working productively and sustainably and have done our homework. This is also confirmed by the 2024/25 winter potential study by the Austrian Tourist Board, which once again shows our country as a winter sports leader," said the chairman of the Tyrolean cable car companies, Reinhard Klier, in his opening speech.
Sustainability: Lots of green in white
A central theme at this year's industry meeting was sustainable development. With only 0.3% of Austria's energy consumption and comprehensive measures such as the use of green electricity, heat recovery and CO2 reduction, the Tyrolean cable cars are setting standards. Klier emphasized: "We take our responsibility for the environment and climate seriously and are ready to make our contribution to the energy transition."
Cable cars as the economic backbone of Tyrol
The economic importance of cable cars was also emphasized: a turnover of 1,000 euros from cable cars generates an average of 7,100 euros in added value in the region. In the current recession, this effect is a stability factor, says Klier: "Even in difficult times, cable cars make a decisive contribution to strengthening the regional economy."
Attractive jobs in the mountains
The importance of cable cars as employers was also highlighted. High levels of satisfaction among employees - such as a recommendation rate of 74% - show that Tyrol's cable cars offer attractive jobs. "Our employees are not only ambassadors for our industry, but also guarantors of the quality that our guests value," says Klier.
Making data-based decisions
Another focus of the "Cable Car Meeting Point" was the increasing importance of data-based instruments for the tourism industry. Patricio Hetfleisch from Tirol Werbung emphasized: "Information on demand movements and price developments are extremely relevant for Tyrol's tourism. With our price and booking monitoring, we have created an instrument for the first time that delivers this industry data in real time and enables forecasts to be made on a daily basis. As a first step, we are equipping tourism associations and accommodation providers with this and at the same time creating closer cooperation with the Tyrolean cable cars." The monitoring enables more targeted control of offers and helps the industry to act flexibly and with a focus on the future, even in uncertain times.
Successful school ski campaign and attractive offers for all Tyroleans
The Tyrolean cable cars are also looking to the future with regard to their customers of tomorrow. "The Tyrolean school ski campaign is a successful model that is made even more attractive by the increased support for travel. With almost 93,000 days of skiing last winter, we are proving that children and young people in Tyrol live and breathe winter sports, and we are making sure that it stays that way," said Klier happily.
The industry spokesperson also took the opportunity to make it clear that skiing should be attractive for all Tyroleans: "The combined tickets offer a tailor-made offer - especially for families. In view of the discussion about local tariffs, the foundation for affordable winter sports was laid with a moderate price increase. The many positive feedback and increased sales figures confirm this path. Many ski areas have also created additional offers as part of cooperation with companies and associations."
Conclusion: Tyrolean cable cars as a success model
The "Cable Car Meeting Point 2024" once again underlined the central role of the Tyrolean cable car industry as a driver of innovation and a stabilizing factor for the region. Chairman Reinhard Klier summed up: "The Tyrolean cable cars not only connect peaks, but also ecology, economy and quality of life - a successful model that must be preserved."
