The Association of Tyrolean Tourism Associations (VTT) has established itself as a relevant voice, and they want to confidently expand their role further, that was the tenor at this year’s general meeting in the first floor of the Swarovski Crystal Worlds. During the meeting, it was decided to increase the VTT budget in order to gain further scope for action as a reliable industry representative. The tourism associations make an important contribution to the positive development of the living, economic and recreational area, as the recently presented sustainability report also showed, emphasized VTT chairman Benjamin Kneisl. Constructive cooperation is the order of the day, and a TVB academy is being promoted as a central knowledge hub.
Economic and Tourism Regional Council Mario Gerber emphasized the importance of open dialogue at the VTT general assembly. “It takes self-confident cooperation between the individual economic sectors for a successful location”
said Gerber. The representatives, in turn, agreed that intensive and continuous exchange within and outside the industry is essential in order to overcome the challenges in the business location.
Kneisl: “VTT as an industry voice is being strengthened”
“The VTT has established itself as a clear and strong voice for the 34 Tyrolean tourism associations”
emphasized Kneisl and advocated consistently continuing on this path and using synergies and cooperation opportunities even more intensively in the future. This positioning met with great approval among the chairmen. The motion to increase the VTT budget from 2026 was passed without a dissenting vote. Kneisl also summarized the year so far at the general meeting: “A lot has happened – from the amendment to tourism financing to the pool study to the discussion about local tariffs.”
He made it clear, particularly regarding tourism financing: “The decision to relieve the burden on the economy and shift the financing responsibility more to the guests was the right one.”
Nevertheless, one should not ignore the fact that many TVBs are confronted with budget losses, but at the same time the desire for tourism is increasing. Kneisl refrains from centrally pooled budget pools: “Tourism already makes a significant contribution in many areas. The proven path of regional cooperation, which is based on the local conditions and needs as well as the financial possibilities of the TVBs, has proven to be successful and should in any case be continued.”
emphasized Kneisl. An open exchange, especially with other sectors, must be specifically promoted in the future in order to gain new perspectives on tourism and promote dialogue. “It is important to us to also hear other perspectives. This is the only way we can work on tourism perception and promote positive developments together.”
with Kneisl.
Gerber: “Tyrolean tourism associations are pioneers across Europe”
“Last year, an important milestone in the area of sustainability was achieved: In all 34 TVBs, a total of 40 sustainability coordinators were trained under the leadership of the VTT, who have since ensured that sustainable concepts are further developed and implemented.”
showed Ingrid SchneiderManaging Director of the VTT. And Gerber added: “Tyrolean tourism proves that it takes its role as a responsible party for sustainable development seriously and is a pioneer across Europe.”
The recently published sustainability report highlights the initiatives of the Tyrolean tourism associations in the areas of sustainability management, mobility and regional cooperation. “The TVBs are already doing above-average work here and are making a decisive contribution to the future development of our country.”
said Schneider. At the same time, the report shows that there is still potential in the areas of tourism, agriculture and accessibility that needs to be further promoted in the future. “This once again makes it clear that intensive exchange with other industries is essential”
with Kneisl.
Schneider: “TVB Academy as a central knowledge hub”
From 2025, the existing offerings of the Tyrol Landlord Academy will also be realigned, explained Schneider: “In the future, the landlord academy should be more closely oriented towards the needs of the tourism associations and their member companies.”
Under the title “TVB Academy”, the training and further education offering for TVB employees is being further expanded and supplemented by programs for management, representatives and management in order to be able to provide the best possible support to all actors within a TVB.