Strategies For Sustainable Tourism Development Presented By Schladming-Dachstein

The Styrian tourism region of Schladming-Dachstein has experienced extremely positive development in recent years and is now one of the five largest destinations in Austria with 3.9 million overnight stays per year. However, those responsible for tourism are already looking ahead and are already setting their sights on the next level for the region. As part of the ninth edition of the "Tourism Dialogue" in the congress Schladming, the TVB presented its strategies for the future to around 300 interested guests.

In recent months, the association has worked intensively on the further development of tourism in the Schladming-Dachstein region with the expert Hubert Siller, university professor, long-time director of MCI Tourism in Innsbruck and vice president of the renowned think tank FMI Future Mountain International. In keeping with the title "NEXT LEVEL", a total of seven subject areas and principles were defined in a broad dialogue process.

Commitment to quality tourism, self-image as a year-round destination "The strategy paper contains the most important principles that we want to base our tourism activities on in the future," explained TVB Chairman Andreas Keinprecht. "These include, among other things, a clear commitment to regionally-based, high-value-added and established quality tourism, the region's self-image as a year-round destination with offers for all four seasons, and the further strengthening of the Schladming-Dachstein brand, which is characterized by a clear identity and a high level of awareness."

Combining global and local thinking Another important pillar for a successful tourism future in the region is the combination of global and local thinking. "Both national and international core markets should contribute to stimulating regional economic cycles. We see our most important markets today and in the future in Austria, Germany and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. In addition, we want to further strengthen the Schladming-Dachstein brand, which is already characterized by a clear identity and a high level of recognition," explained Mathias Schattleitner, Managing Director of TVB Schladming-Dachstein. 

Top events, excellent cuisine, lived regionality

In addition, Schladming-Dachstein continues to focus more on hosting top events in the areas of sport and entertainment as well as on the topics of cuisine and enjoyment. The Styrian region has long been an example of authentic regional cuisine in the Alpine region and wants to continue to promote regional initiatives in the future. In this way, tourism wants to continue to live up to its responsibility for the people in the region, for nature as a basis for life and for a sustainable economic area.

"A clear basic understanding of the most important questions of the future is required"

In his presentation, expert Hubert Siller addressed the major challenges in destination management: "A successful future will be characterized by the fight for the desirability of guests, the highest possible acceptance of tourism among the locals and a clear basic understanding of the most important questions of the future. The next level process of the Schladming-Dachstein region, which I have been able to support over the last few months, is a very good way of tackling these tasks together."

“Every guest experience contributes to the brand value”

Sabine Hübner also shed light on the tourism success formulas of the future. She has been a successful entrepreneur for over 20 years, an internationally sought-after visionary and speaker, and a service performance consultant for the top players in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. She emphasized: “Every encounter - whether digital or analogue - always writes a story in the end. And every story, every guest experience contributes to the brand value and makes a real difference in the competition. Important questions in this context, which often have to be answered individually, are: What does it take in a digital world to inspire guests? And where do guests prefer personal encounters?”

www.schladming-dachstein.at/nextlevel

+++ Schladming-Dachstein NEXT LEVEL / Subject areas and principles: # QUALITY TOURISM The Schladming-Dachstein region stands for regionally influenced, high-value-added and established quality tourism. # 4 | 300 | YEAR-ROUND DESTINATION The Schladming-Dachstein region sees itself as a year-round destination with offers for 4 seasons and around 300 operating days. # BRAND STRENGTH

The Schladming-Dachstein brand is characterized by a clear identity and great recognition. Through close cooperation with regional partners, the region is perceived as a strong unit both internally and externally.

# TOP EVENTS
The Schladming-Dachstein region stands for top international events in the field of sports and entertainment - with strong media awareness and value creation-oriented.

# CULINARY & ENJOYMENT
The Schladming-Dachstein region is exemplary in authentic regional cuisine and promotes regional initiatives.

# (G)LOCAL THINKING = GLOBAL & LOCAL THINKING
The Schladming-Dachstein region combines global and local thinking. National and international core markets should contribute to revitalizing local economic cycles.

# RESPONSIBLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
The Schladming-Dachstein region assumes responsibility for the people in the region, for nature as a basis for life and for a sustainable economic area. www.schladming-dachstein.at