Austria Cable Cars - "The Trend Is Slowly Pointing Upwards!"

After the corona-related premature termination of the winter season, the local cable car companies started the mountain operators'  summer with many question marks. The first conclusions can now be drawn on the basis of current data, with the trend showing more and more clearly upwards as the season progresses. While the number of admissions in June fell by 54 percent compared to the previous year, in the first half of July it was only minus 14 percent. “This development makes us confident that our companies will have a satisfactory summer season and in some cases even exceed the results of the previous year,” said Franz Hörl, Chairman of the Association of Austrian Cable Cars in the Austrian Chamber of Commerce. 

Overall, the Austrian cable cars recorded 34 percent fewer first entries in the summer of 2020, which is characterized by restrictions, in the operating period from May 29 to July 19 than in summer 2019. “The curve is encouraging because it is continuously pointing upwards and the minus compared to the previous year continues can shrink ”, says Franz Hörl. In addition, it is extremely important for Austria as a whole as a tourist location that the cable cars with their summer offers are available. “We know that a summer vacation in the mountains is an essential motivation for a vacation in Austria. Our cable cars are inextricably linked with the mountain experience. The “Best Austrian Summer Lifts” in particular create a real competitive advantage with their certified offers, ”the chairman of the trade association is convinced. There is still time to make up for "some lost meters". "Apart from the development of the virus spread, vacation behavior is also a factor of uncertainty, but it also harbors opportunities," said Hörl, referring above all to the vacations booked abroad. “Depending on the situation in the respective countries, many travelers are still not sure whether they will go on vacation at all. In two out of three of these cases, Austria is the first choice, ”says Hörl. whether they even go on vacation. In two out of three of these cases, Austria is the first choice, ”says Hörl. whether they even go on vacation. In two out of three of these cases, Austria is the first choice, ”says Hörl.

Selected moods show that the interim results are satisfactory depending on the region and the positioning of the cable car companies. Such as in Carinthia, where you can find positive words throughout and expect a good summer season. In any case, the increased absence of international guests is striking. However, these are partially offset by new guests who are holidaying in the mountain railway regions for the first time. Many day visitors also use the cable car offer. 

People in Lower Austria are also generally satisfied. Despite a partial drop in the number of entries, the “mountain summer mood” is generally described as good. In some companies, high increases were even recorded in June. It is also noticeable that numerous guests are using the mountain railways for the first time and that the online booking tool is also being used to a large extent. 

A similar picture emerges in Vorarlberg, where the situation is described as "very different, but overall passable". The booking situation is satisfactory and a large number of local audiences are increasingly spending their holidays in the mountains. The summer mountain railways therefore saw some significant increases in July, but also declines in higher regions. Depending on the development of the COVID situation and the weather situation, however, the westernmost federal state can be expected to have a satisfactory summer season.

Cable car companies in Salzburg also report good mood. Despite the delayed start of the season, one notices an increase in guests on the mountain. The guests are more than happy about the operation of the cable cars and gratefully accept the offer. At most, local guests from all over the state and above all from the city of Salzburg are recorded. Subjects in the area of ​​nature and cuisine are particularly well received. They are also satisfied from a business point of view. This means that the previous year's level can be achieved in some cases despite fewer operating days.

Parallel to the operation of the summer lifts, the trade association is already working in cooperation with the cable car companies on the framework conditions for the coming winter season. “What is certain is that a lot will change in the coming winter compared to the past. Despite the adjustments, our goal must be to make our strengths visible on the market and to offer the most unrestricted holiday experience possible, ”said Hörl. Due to COVID-19, however, there will be some restrictions in Austria in the coming season - such as in the area of ​​gastronomy including après ski. "We are currently working on a strategy on this topic and the rules for safe cable car operation that will bring health and holiday mood as well as possible", says Hörl.