The Austrian Hotel Association's (ÖHV) recent forum, entitled "Financing in Tourism," attracted 120 participants to Lech am Arlberg. The event focused on current challenges and opportunities in financing tourism businesses. Experts and insiders discussed the impact of new regulations such as Basel IV, the changing risk assessment of tourism real estate, as well as alternative financing options and funding opportunities.
Walter Veit, President of the Austrian Tourism Federation (ÖHV), opened the forum and emphasized the need for investment flexibility for the future of tourism companies. He called for a reduction in high taxes and bureaucracy, the expansion and simplification of funding instruments, and a greater use of alternative financing models such as crowdfunding and vouchers. He also advocated for a reduction in bureaucracy in lending.
The program included practical presentations and discussions. Bernhard Freudenthaler from the German Banking Association explained the implications of Basel IV. Representatives from Raiffeisen-Landesbank Tirol, Raiffeisen Landesbank Vorarlberg, and the Austrian Hotel and Tourism Bank presented their institutions' requirements for borrowers and grant recipients. Other experts provided insights into financial metrics, identifying imbalances, tax optimization, and experiences with alternative financing and innovative business models.
In addition to the exchange of ideas, the forum also offered participants opportunities for networking and informal discussions. A special highlight was a ski trip with Olympic and World Champion Benni Raich on the Arlberg. The forum concluded with a culinary evening. The event was made possible with the support of various partners from the financial and tourism sectors.
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