PlateauIntern

Many followed passionately last year when Florian Lipowitz from the Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe team finished third on the podium of the Tour de France. Many suffered with him as he crashed during the individual time trial on stage 16 this year and had to abandon the race with a broken collarbone. But few know how close his connection is to the Tyrolean high plateau and what the region means to him.

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.

The past winter season started strong in the pre-winter period, remained stable during the main season, but then significantly declined from March onwards. However, we are not alone in this season development. Late winter tourism is changing throughout the Alpine region. The reasons are diverse.

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.

This February is completely under the glow of the Olympic rings. And this is not only in Italy, but also in Tyrol. Exactly 50 years ago, from February 4th to 15th, the Olympic Games were held for the second time in Innsbruck and Seefeld. Many fondly remember this time. So does three-time speed skating medalist Sheila Young (USA), who returned to the region with her family on the occasion of the 50th anniversary.

Lived inclusive hospitality is becoming increasingly important in tourism. By creating a fair offer, you not only adhere to fundamental human rights and ensure sustainable development, but also benefit from a success pattern of the future. The loyalty factor of this guest group is significantly above average.

Conducting successful marketing work in tourism is a complex task. It is important to keep both the present and the future of the region in mind. Focus topics should take center stage, but diversity should not be overlooked. In summer 2025, our marketing team did its best to master this balancing act. Here you can find an excerpt of our actions:

It may not have been a record summer and the many rainy days are still fresh in our memory. However, the numbers from the summer season show a solid upward trend, once again establishing us as an extremely strong tourist region throughout Tyrol.

With our strategy, we have chosen a future path, having identified two guest target groups through an extensive analysis. Now it is crucial to invest in order to remain an attractive destination.

Tyrol is often reduced to the history of alpine skiing. While it indeed plays a role here, the sports history of the region is considerably broader. Whether it’s alpine skiing, Nordic sports, winter hiking, ice skating or even golf, tennis, and football – history, experience, and visionary spirit have always been intertwined in Seefeld. And at its heart lies the area between Seekirchl and Arena365.

Sustainability in all its facets is a given for us as the first tourism region with an environmental label. Therefore, we are proud to support Arche Heart Bridges as a flagship of social sustainability.

On the high plateau of Tyrol, things are happening: In 2023, the Seefeld region was awarded the Austrian Environmental Label as the first destination, and in 2024, it was established as a Climate and Energy Model Region (KEM). Now, the first cross-municipal citizen participation process begins, inviting all residents to actively contribute, from which Team Plateau is to be established. This team aims to further develop the region together with decision-makers for an even better future.

It’s the little details that highlight a region, shape its overall impression, and create the kind of atmosphere that stays in the memory of guests. Our new stamp stations enhance the region's hiking competence with a small but impressive detail.