‘Best Austrian Summer Mountain Railways’ Draw Positive Interim Conclusions About Summer 2024
At the end of the school holidays, the members of the quality initiative of the Cable Car Association in the Austrian Chamber of Commerce are taking stock of the current summer season. A current quick survey among the members also provides information on what a mountain region needs to be particularly attractive to holidaymakers in the summer.
While May and June started off rather rainy in many parts of Austria, the weather stabilized over the course of July and August. This development is also reflected in the number of visitors: "We are quite satisfied with the current summer season," confirms Franz Hörl, chairman of the Cable Car Association in the Austrian Chamber of Commerce. "Around two thirds of the members of the Best Austrian Summer Mountain Railways report an increase in visitors compared to the previous year in a recent flash survey." The flash survey shows increases of up to 15 percent among these members. The remaining third report a slight decrease of between 5 and 10 percent. As in previous years, most guests come from Austria, Germany and the Netherlands.
Cooling down on the mountain: “Coolcation” with water offers in the Austrian Alps
Austria is well prepared for the 2024 travel trend: To escape the hot temperatures, cooler destinations - from the Alps to Nordic countries - are enjoying increasing popularity. The Best Austrian Summer Mountain Railways not only provide cooling due to the location-specific climatic conditions: water playgrounds are a must for almost all members - also in the 2024 season, as the flash survey shows. Young and old can experiment with water courses, go rafting or boating, practice balancing and much more. The offers are supplemented, for example, by Kneipp paths or swimming opportunities in the mountain lake or in the heated infinity pool. "Holiday guests want contact with water in summer, whether on the beach or in the mountains," says Kornel Grundner, spokesman for the Best Austrian Summer Mountain Railways. "That's why the Best Austrian Summer Mountain Railways have been focusing on the further development of water experiences on the mountain for several years. This means we will be able to meet our guests’ needs even more in 2024.”
Shared mountain experiences for the whole family
The majority of the best Austrian summer cable cars have been awarded in the family mountain category. "The keyword for families is quality time," says Grundner. "Families who visit our member companies want to have shared experiences and memories." Parents and children are therefore given equal consideration when developing the offer. In addition to adventure playgrounds, there are, for example, swing beds on which parents can relax, watch the children and enjoy the view at the same time. It is also important that exercise on the mountain should be fun for the children.
For this purpose, there are puzzle stations, hidden object games, marble runs, scavenger hunts and more on family trails. Many members also offer themed trails that focus on imparting knowledge. Not only children can learn something about nature here, but parents too. "These offers are easily accessible and entertaining," says Grundner. "This also has the advantage that families can discover something new on every visit."
Positive outlook for September and October
Bookings for September are often made at short notice, depending on the weather. The weather forecasts are currently promising - not least because of this, the best Austrian summer mountain railways are optimistic about the rest of the season. Even if the temperatures drop towards autumn, members are expecting many day and weekend guests in the next two months if the weather is sunny or dry. "For most members, summer operations will last until October, and for some even into November. And rightly so: the golden autumn is the ideal time for a trip to the local mountains," concludes Grundner.
About the seal of approval “Best Austrian Summer Mountain Railways”
The seal of quality for the Best Austrian Summer Mountain Railways is an initiative of the Cable Cars Association (Austrian Chamber of Commerce) and stands for quality, cooperation and sustainable regional development. The seal of quality brings together the experts and pioneers of domestic summer mountain tourism and now has 79 members with 96 themed mountains. Only companies that meet at least 100 quality criteria become one of the Best Austrian Summer Mountain Railways. Specialized in five themed worlds - adventure, family, panorama & nature experience, enjoyment, art & culture - members must pass a recertification every three years. A varied range of experiences is guaranteed - not least because of this, the seal of quality has now become an important decision-making criterion when holiday guests choose their destination.
