Opening Talk: Plea for open Europe

The European Tolerance Talks 2019 were ceremoniously opened in the Carinthian mountain village of Fresach on June 6th. In bright weather, numerous representatives of politics, economics and culture gathered in the Protestant church to hear the eagerly awaited opening speech of Italian linguist Maurizio Bettini on the roots and identity of Europeans. The university professor…

Change of Mind: Mass tourism no Prostitution

“Adapting to mass tourism has nothing to do with cultural ‘prostitution’: Hospitality means flexibility towards guests without denying one’s own values, which is why tourism centers like Zell am See have to approach their visitors instead of burdening them even if they arrive in large numbers,” said Nadine Scharfenort, member of the board of the…

Emigrants can not be stopped

People who are looking for a new start in another country can not be stopped. They are looking for a better life and new perspectives, but also answers to questions about their homeland and the living conditions there. Only by sharing with others do they gain certainty and understanding. But they also put up with…

New Technologies can save Rural Areas

Digitization and automation offer the opportunity to save rural areas from emigration, thinning and brain drain. Above all, crafts and agriculture could benefit from new technologies. But that is only possible with a strong digital infrastructure. This is the conclusion of futurologist, technology and innovation expert Petra Schaper-Rinkel of the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT),…

Tourism needs Home Stereotypes

Austrian tourism needs clichés like Wiener Schnitzel, Dirndl, Schuhplattler and Lippizaner. Common images of home are a “well-functioning currency” in the application of guests. However, it is important that these pictures also correspond to reality, because clichés are also promises in tourism, says the Tyrolean folklorist and author Elsbeth Wallnöfer, who will adress the tourism…