TVB Wildschönau takes stock: Investments and new offerings are the focus

At its general meeting on October 22, the Wildschönau Tourism Association reviewed its activities: Several projects from the jointly developed 2030 strategy with the municipality were implemented last year. The focus was on the further development of tourism offerings and investments that benefit both guests and locals.

Investments in new offerings

At last year's general meeting, the tourism board (TVB) announced its intention to invest funds freed up by the reorganization of the Sommerbergbahn cable car financing in developing new offerings. Since then, two new family-friendly routes have been implemented: the Wirbelwindweg (Whirlwind Trail) between Niederau and Oberau, and the Holzweg (Woodland Trail) loop in Auffach. Seven leisurely bike tours further enhance the cycling options. The association contributed a total of €400,000 to the Mühltal section of the valley cycle route.

With these projects, the tourism association aims to further develop the tourism offerings while simultaneously strengthening the quality of life for locals. Chairman Christoph Brugger puts it this way in the annual report: "A guest can only feel comfortable here if we also feel comfortable here and embody the Wildschönau lifestyle ourselves."

Tourism as an important economic factor

A recent analysis by GAW Economic Research demonstrates the importance of tourism for the Wildschönau region. According to the analysis, tourism generates a gross value added of €84.5 million, which corresponds to a company turnover of approximately €250 million. Every second euro in Wildschönau comes from tourism. Within the districts of Kufstein and Kitzbühel, Wildschönau has the highest tourism-related share of regional value added, at 50 to 70 percent, according to the study. Furthermore, 847 people are employed in the tourism sector, not including the self-employed.

Stable overnight stays, changes in bed availability

Overnight stays also remain largely stable. With approximately 390,000 overnight stays, the winter season of 2025/26 was almost on par with the previous year. In the summer, around 377,000 overnight stays were recorded up to October 19th, an increase of one percent compared to the previous year. The budget for 2027 remains at the previous year's level of 4.4 million euros.

A ten-year analysis by MCI Innsbruck shows that the number of guest beds has declined more sharply than the demand for overnight stays. At the same time, the accommodation sector has shifted significantly towards holiday apartments. Therefore, securing and further developing high-quality commercial accommodation remains a key task for the tourism association.

In addition to reviewing tourism developments, the general assembly also offered suggestions for local businesses. The Viennese design studio LucyD was scheduled to give a keynote presentation on "Contemporary Room Design." Among other things, the presentation was to address how existing furnishings can be reused and integrated into a contemporary interior design.