GTI meetings in Maria Wörth: Tourism under pressure and old traditions disappear!

GTI meetings in Maria Wörth: Tourism under pressure and old traditions disappear!

in Maria Wörth, a picturesque community on Lake Wörthersee, the legendary GTI meeting caused lively discussions. The event, which was previously considered a great economic advantage for the region, did not take place this year and leaves noticeable gaps in the tourism landscape of the municipality. Willi Safran, 69 years old, a pensioner and former fire brigade commander, and Martin Schwarz, 24 years old, forester and farmer, expressed her concerns about the changes that the place is going through.

Früher lebten zahlreiche Privatzimmervermieter von der Anreise der GTI-Fans. But the tourist infrastructure has changed a lot since then. More and more hotels and inns disappear from the landscape, with only a larger hotel on the lake preserved. The high pricing policy in gastronomy also means that in the hinterland cheaper alternatives that offer fewer opportunities for integration into community life.

challenges in tourism

The decline of municipal citizens and the influx of secondary residence owners, who often show no interest in the community, represent a challenge for the existing infrastructure. "There are hardly any inns in Sekirn, there were seven in the past," said Saffran. Rents are increasing, while there is a lack of social housing, which forces many to search for affordable apartments.

The GTI meeting was not only a highlight for car fans, but also an important economic impulse. "The event was well organized and brought many visitors to the region," explains Martin Schwarz. Their absence has a negative impact on the economy, especially in the previous season that lived from the event.

change in club life

Club life in Maria Wörth also suffered. "Some clubs disappeared while new ones were founded. But many moved people hardly take part," criticizes Schwarz. He is active in several clubs, the village community Sekirn has revived in 2023, but the activities are not sufficient to keep the overall communal tradition alive.

Traditions such as Maria Wörther Kirchtag, the Marien procession and the Easter shooters are important components of cultural life, but overall there is a lack of trade fairs and events that bring together the community.

perspectives for the future

From June 1st, a daily fee will be charged for the use of certain public areas, which also indicates the financial burden of the local population. The Vice Mayor is planning to start a construction by September, which could possibly bring new impulses for the region. In view of a structural change that brings with it both opportunities and challenges, the residents of Maria Wörth look excited about the developments.

Link on further information about the economic importance of tourism: bmwet.gv.at .

The changes that Maria Wörth has to experience are exemplary for many touristy communities in Austria, which have to be reoriented according to the challenges of Covid 19 pandemic. Tourism that boomed before the pandemic has recovered, as was last documented in 2023 with 45.2 million guest arrivals and 151.2 million overnight stays, but it remains to be seen how sustainable solutions can be found for regional tourism and community life. More on this at Spiegel.de .