PlateauIntern

Elias Walser has been the Managing Director of the Seefeld Tourism Association since June 2016. The native Mieminger came to us from Ramsau am Dachstein at that time and brought a refreshing new perspective to the region. Much has happened since then. Here, he provides a brief insight into what he considered the biggest milestones and challenges, how things are moving forward, and what is personally most important to him in the region.

Just before the end of the school year, the first year of the new cooperation between TVB and the Seefeld middle school concluded successfully. At the Design Jam, students developed their vision for Tyrol's plateau in 2040 and presented it in 90-second pitches to a five-member jury. There were many exciting ideas, from a regional food truck offering local products in young dishes to a green energy cycle for the school and a weekly plan app that introduces its users to a lesser-known excursion destination in the region every day.

At the end of May, our long-time marketing manager Lisa Krenkel took maternity leave. An occasion to ask her three more questions about her ten years at TVB and her future wishes for the region.

Last week, relieved, Seefeld's mayor Andrea Neuner, vice mayor Alexander Schmid, TVB managing director Elias Walser, and the authorized signatory of the WM Sports Facilities Seefeld-Tirol GmbH, Simone Fuchs, announced that all outstanding issues related to the 52nd Nordic Ski World Championships of 2019 have been resolved. Over seven years after the end of the major event, the Damocles sword of funding repayment has finally been lifted with the receipt of the agreement countersigned by the Austrian Financial Prosecution between the municipality of Seefeld, the WM Sports Facilities Seefeld-Tirol GmbH, the Seefeld Tourism Association, and the Republic of Austria.

Even before the winter season started, Frau Holle's high plateau in Tyrol was cloaked in winter white at the beginning of October. Our marketing team made the most of these first snowfalls and got our winter guests in the mood to book with numerous social media appearances.

At the general assembly in December, the increase of the stay tax was decided to enable investments in the region's infrastructure. Now the implementation of the first plans has begun.

One could almost say that a new era began at TVB Seefeld ten years ago. Around the same time, managing director Elias Walser and marketing manager Lisa Krenkel started their journey in the region.

All of Tyrol recorded positive figures in its tourism balance this December and January. The Seefeld region was at the absolute top in December, with an increase of around 15% in arrivals and overnight stays. Even in November, the town of Seefeld impressed with top numbers. Where does this trend come from and how can it be positively influenced further?

Long-distance hiking is booming: Many people long for the intense nature experience that multi-day hiking offers. At the same time, there is a desire for comfort and flexibility. A balancing act that requires a new approach.

The future lies in our hands, but especially in those of the next generation. This is a good reason to involve them early in plans, visions, and possible developments. From the 2025/26 school year, TVB has been collaborating with Seefeld Secondary School. Students in the fourth grade gain detailed insights into the work and tasks of the tourism association and get to know it as a potential future employer during an open house. The student parliament is part of Team Plateau, allowing them to directly contribute their ideas to shaping the future of their community.