Schladming-Dachstein region experiencing stable economic development: According to Austrian Federal Economic Chamber economic barometer

The Schladming-Dachstein tourism region is experiencing stable economic development: According to the latest Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO) economic barometer, sales, order volume, and employment in the Liezen district are significantly more robust compared to other rural regions in Austria. The decisive factor is tourism.

Herbert Kolb (Executive Director of Raiffeisenbank Schladming-Gröbming), Christian Hollinger (Head of the Ennstal/Salzkammergut Regional Office of the Styrian Chamber of Commerce), Ewald Verhounig (Head of the Institute for Economic and Location Development of the Styrian Chamber of Commerce), moderator Claudia Aichhorn-Edler, Mathias Schattleitner (Managing Director of Schladming-Dachstein) and Andreas Keinprecht (Chairman of Schladming-Dachstein) | © Martin Huber

The Schladming-Dachstein Tourism Association, in cooperation with the Styrian Chamber of Commerce, Ennstal/Salzkammergut Regional Office, and the Raiffeisenbank Schladming-Gröbming, invited business representatives from the region to keynote speeches and a networking event. The evening marked the conclusion of the two-day "Why Tourism Business Tour," during which eight businesses in the region – from a solar technology provider to a coffee roastery, from Schladming to Donnersbach – were visited.

The empirical framework was provided by Ewald Verhounig, head of the Institute for Economic and Regional Development at the Styrian Chamber of Commerce (WKO Steiermark). “Tourism has developed into a key economic driver in the Liezen district. The Schladming-Dachstein region, in particular, impressively demonstrates its potential: Since 2013, annual tourism-related value added has increased by more than 70 percent to around €1.3 billion, and employment has almost tripled since 1971. At the same time, tourism ensures economic balance in the district and makes Schladming-Dachstein a true best-practice example of successful market diversification as an international year-round destination.”

The value creation study commissioned by the Schladming-Dachstein Tourism Association provides the detailed basis for this. Tourism in the region generates a total annual economic stimulus of over one billion euros. Of this, 768 million euros are attributable to direct demand, triggered by approximately three million overnight stays and 750,000 day visitors per year. An additional 138 million euros come from indirect effects resulting from investments by regional companies, and 133 million euros from the purchasing power of those employed in the tourism sector. In total, 493 million euros of added value thus remain in the region – facilitated by the consistent integration of local suppliers.

Gabriel Felbermayr, Director of the Austrian Institute for Economic Research (WIFO), contributed a macroeconomic perspective in a video presentation: “For many Alpine regions, tourism is a way of managing this area that generates added value. If tourism were to disappear, these inner-Alpine regions would have far less prosperity, they would suffer from emigration, and the future prospects for young people would be different. In this respect, tourism is a key driver of prosperity for such regions.”

In their joint address, TVB Chairman Andreas Keinprecht and Managing Director Mathias Schattleitner emphasized the strategic direction of the destination: “Tourism is the lifeblood of our Schladming-Dachstein region. It creates jobs, strengthens the local economy, and contributes significantly to the high quality of life in our area. At the same time, we know that a successful future for tourism is not guaranteed. With our Next Level strategy, we are therefore pursuing a clear direction for the further development of the destination – focusing on quality, innovation, and sustainable economic success. We intend to continue this successful path in the future, together with our businesses, municipalities, and partners.”

Looking at the region as a whole, the message of the evening was clear: A vibrant tourism destination attracts all sectors – from construction and retail to crafts and services. With its "Why Tourism Business Tour," the Schladming-Dachstein Tourism Association (TVB Schladming-Dachstein) highlights these interconnections and invites cross-sectoral dialogue.