Balanced Tourism - Semmering-Rax-Schneeberg
Implementation of sustainable mobility, visitor guidance and parking space management
Motivation und initial situation
The Semmering-Rax-Schneeberg region faces several challenges. There is a risk of overcrowding at popular destinations, as some hotspots already exist. In recent years, the number of visitors to the Semmering-Rax region has increased significantly. Well-known destinations and the impressive natural landscape have further increased the region's popularity among guests.
The large number of visitors has created hotspots at some destinations, leading to an imbalance in visitor distribution. Overcrowded car parks at hiking trailheads and destinations, as well as heavy traffic, characterise the peak season. Another problem is parked vehicles blocking emergency and residential access routes.
The limited mobility options lead to a high proportion of motorised private transport. The existing infrastructure is currently not designed to cope with the high volume of traffic, making protective measures for this sensitive rural region urgently necessary. In order to improve the quality of life for local residents at the same time, the project is building on the success of the RUFbus Semmering-Rax. Another goal is to distribute visitor flows more evenly throughout the region and across seasons to avoid peak loads.
Key milestones
The project includes important measures such as expanding the service area of the RUFbus Semmering-Rax and intensive cooperation with innovative mobility providers. With the RUFbus Semmering-Rax, a shared taxi service with over 130 stops, the tourism association has succeeded in developing a mobility service that enables car-free holidays. Thanks to the strategically located stops at POIs such as hiking trailheads, train stations, excursion destinations and hotels, it is possible to plan a holiday without a car, thus avoiding traffic stress and the search for parking spaces.
There is ongoing dialogue about the overnight stay tax with the destination and Niederösterreich Werbung (NÖW). In addition, accessibility measures are being implemented to ensure an inclusive experience for all visitors. At the same time, there is a strong focus on safety aspects – in particular on behaviour in the mountains, for example through measures to prevent forest fires and the targeted promotion of safe hiking trails.
Semmering-Rax-Schneeberg, Lower Austria
254,098 overnight stays, of which 22.85% in winter, 23.24% in spring, 34.33% in summer and 19.58% in autumn (tourism year 1 November 2023 to 31 October 2024)
The region is known for its mountains around Rax, Schneeberg and Zauberberg, the Rax cable car, the Höllental valley and cultural highlights such as the Reichenau Festival. Hiking and summer holidays in Semmering have a long tradition here.
More informations: https://www.semmering-rax.com
For further questions:
Jessica Langeder & Christian Blazek, TVB Semmering-Rax-Schneeberg
info@semmering-rax-schneeberg.at
Experiences and challenges
One particular challenge is the need to respond flexibly to current circumstances at all times. Even if there is a plan with clearly defined steps, it is crucial to continuously take new challenges into account and adapt accordingly. This is exemplified by the situation at Preiner Gscheid, where adapted parking space management is required.
The active participation of all stakeholders is also necessary for successful implementation. Everyone involved must be interested in finding a common solution so that projects can be successfully realised. Another challenge is the ongoing adaptation of the system to new technical developments in order to remain future-proof and efficient.
Experience has shown that some points can be implemented much faster than expected. At the same time, it often happens that measures that are already well advanced and only seem to require final steps ultimately have to be completely discarded.
Future prospects
The ongoing mobility measures also make it possible to gather valuable insights into guest behaviour, guest needs, the special features of the region and the requirements of businesses and partners. This knowledge can be discussed in targeted workshops with businesses, alpine clubs, property owners and the regional population and condensed into an overall concept.
The tourism association has already carried out a preliminary study on parking space management in collaboration with the company Verracon. The end result will be a step-by-step plan that will serve as the basis for implementing the measures. The focus is on implementing a uniform visitor guidance system, optimising mobility measures and further developing parking space management. The aim of the project is to create a comprehensive implementation concept that protects the living and recreational space and alleviates the hotspots that have developed.