Austria's Hörl welcomes the recent EU-level decision regarding the Consumer Agenda 2030.

Franz Hörl, Chairman of the Austrian Cable Car Association within the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ), expressly welcomes the recent EU-level decision regarding the Consumer Agenda 2030. He considers the unanimous decision in the Competitiveness Council to call on the European Commission, in the context of the amendment to the Geoblocking Regulation, to submit a solution for domestic fares that complies with EU law to be "a major step in the right direction."

“The fact that we have succeeded in clearly anchoring this issue at the European level shows how seriously Austria takes the concerns of its tourism regions,” Hörl emphasizes. The commitment of Federal Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer in Brussels, as well as the support from State Secretary Elisabeth Zehetner and Governor Anton Mattle, sends a strong signal for fairness and common sense in the European single market.

The council's decision opens up political leeway for the first time to examine legally compliant solutions for local resident rates. The current geoblocking regulation prohibits different prices based on place of residence – a rule that is increasingly perceived as a challenge in many tourist regions.

“ Especially in heavily frequented regions, locals play a significant role in tourism: through investments, involvement in clubs and businesses, and through their daily participation in shaping the regional identity ,” said Hörl.

A fair solution for local rates would not only strengthen the quality of life in the region, but also sustainably secure the relationship between tourists and residents. "Tourism is a key economic driver for Austria. It is therefore all the more important that added value and benefits are distributed fairly. Yesterday's decision is a significant milestone on this path," Hörl emphasizes.