OITAF Congress: The Comprehensive Review
The International Organization for Transportation by Rope (OITAF) convenes in a large format only once every six years. Accordingly, expectations were high for the 12th Ropeway Congress, held from June 17 to 21, 2024, in Vancouver, Canada. The lectures and excursions exceeded expectations, and the planned personnel changes also took place.
NSAA: US ski resorts defy weather and post strong numbers
The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) counted 60.4 million guests in the winter of 2023/24. This marks the fifth-best season in the USA since records began. The presentation of these numbers was the highlight of the industry meeting in Frisco, Texas, where numerous awards were also presented.
Is hovering the new skiing?
In many winter sports destinations, skiing could soon become a thing of the past. Günther Aloys has established an institution with his WORKSHOP ISCHGL to develop alternative concepts to classic ski tourism. The latest outcome of their work in this innovation hub is Slope Gliding. Instead of skiing downhill, you float downwards with a small balloon.
How do behavioral appeals work?
Behavioral appeals, such as those encouraging environmentally friendly behavior, work differently on vacation than in everyday life. How can we still manage to engage guests and guide their actions? Researcher Bettina Grün has investigated how guest behavior can truly be influenced.
France: Facts and figures about winter tourism
250 resorts spread over six massifs make France the world‘s second largest ski destination. While the previous year caused worried faces, due to less snow, the recent season started with a pleasant suprise: Late autumn snow allowed the French ski resorts to open earlier.
Communication in crisis
Crises often come out of nowhere. It‘s important that they don‘t catch us completely unprepared. Therefore, it‘s also important to consistently maintain crisis communication. This was recently demonstrated in the Austrian Hochoetz ski area, as stated by managing director Michaela Burger in the interview.