‘Best Austrian Summer’ Lift Co’s Reach A Successful Conclusion For 2024 Summer Season

Before the start of the winter season: The best Austrian summer mountain railways Lift Co's have drawn a successful conclusion for the 2024 summer season

Despite changeable weather conditions, summer tourism has established itself as an indispensable part of the Austrian cable car industry. In a quick survey, the best Austrian summer mountain railways confirm its importance: summer tourism will account for around 15 percent of the cable car industry's total turnover in 2024.

Off-seasons are becoming more important

The 2024 summer season runs from March to November. 87 percent of the best Austrian summer mountain railways surveyed stated that the off-seasons are becoming increasingly important for their year-round business. Guest numbers remained stable at a high level in 2024, and sales figures rose slightly on average.

"Summer tourism is now an important part of Austria's cable cars and makes a significant contribution to strengthening year-round business," explains Franz Hörl, chairman of the Cable Cars Association in the Austrian Chamber of Commerce. "The increasing importance of the off-season and the continuous development of our offerings show that we also play an important role in our guests' holiday planning outside of the winter months."

Children as a driving force in holiday choice

With 59 certified family mountains, most of the best Austrian summer mountain railways focus on family-friendly offers that will be remembered. And not without reason: 43 out of 44 respondents stated that children have a significant influence on the decision about the travel destination. "When holiday plans are discussed in the family, it is not uncommon for children to wish to visit the witches at the Hexenwasser, the dinosaurs at the Steinplatte or Schmidolin on the Schmittenhöhe again," explains Kornel Grundner, spokesman for the best Austrian summer mountain railways. "It doesn't work without creativity. Our members tell stories about adventure playgrounds, adventure hiking trails or puzzle tours. And they do it really well!"

The guests want a program on the mountain

The quick survey also shows that visitor numbers and length of stay are closely linked to the offerings on the mountain. Following the motto "There's always something going on on the mountain", the best Austrian summer mountain railways are constantly investing in the further development of their mountain offerings, such as concerts, bike trails, yoga courses, new adventure trails or events related to anniversaries. 87 percent of respondents confirmed that this means that summer guests come more often.

The gastronomic offering is another factor: According to 89 percent of those surveyed, guests spend more time on the mountain when there are good culinary offerings. In addition to numerous huts, the Best Austrian Summer Mountain Railways also have four gourmet mountains that have made culinary arts their speciality. "What holiday guest doesn't look forward to Kaiserschmarrn, Käsespätzle or other classics on the mountain - in winter and summer," emphasizes Grundner. "The strategy of the Best Austrian Summer Mountain Railways is a hit: we feel this more and more with each summer season. We can offer our guests something on the mountain - and these are exactly the experiences they expect!"

About the seal of approval “Best Austrian Summer Mountain Railways”

The seal of approval for the Best Austrian Summer Mountain Railways is an initiative of the Cable Car Association (Austrian Chamber of Commerce) and stands for quality, cooperation and sustainable regional development. It now has 79 members with 96 themed mountains that meet 100 quality criteria. Specialized in five theme worlds - adventure, family, panorama & nature experience, enjoyment, art & culture - the members must pass a recertification every three years. The seal of approval guarantees a varied range of experiences and has become an important decision criterion when holiday guests choose their destination.

Further information at: www.sommer-bergbahnen.at