30 years of Farm holidays | Farm Holidays in Austria

From farm to tourism trendsetter

Even the strict and meticulously controlled coronavirus prevention measures could not dampen the party atmosphere. For many, it was a personal reunion after a very long time - memories, shared experiences and future plans were exchanged.

A wonderful Slow Food menu from host Gerhard Satran and his team provided the culinary highlight of the gala evening in the Stiftschmiede. As a special surprise guest, neo-film star and "farmer's boy" Franz Klammer joined the large group and was not only a sought-after conversation partner as a selfie star. Finally, the top Carinthian band of the same name set the musical milestone and created a great atmosphere.

Birthday wishes were conveyed by Provincial Councillor Martin Gruber, LK President Siegfried Huber, Raiffeisen Board Director Georg Messner, Carinthian Milk Managing Director Helmut Petschar and Hirter brewery boss Niki Riegler, among others. Georg Overs, Managing Director of the Villach - Faaker See - Ossiacher See region, Barbara Wakonig, Chairwoman of Genussland, Christiane Lorenz from Europäische Reiseversicherung, Klaus Niederacher, Managing Director of Kognitiv and Christian Kresse, Managing Director of Kärnten Werbung, were also present to congratulate the winners.

Track record on all lines

At the anniversary celebration held the following day in the Alban Berg Hall of Ossiach Abbey, numerous pioneers and companions of Farm holidays had their say. Former chairman Alois Gaderer and Gertraud Pichler, former companion in the Ministry of Agriculture, talked about the beginnings and how important the founding of the association was for the success story of Farm holidays. Hans Embacher, Managing Director of Austria from the very beginning, impressively explained the development with the help of figures. For example, the average price per overnight stay has increased by 216% since 1991. Carinthian Managing Director Edith Sabath-Kerschbaumer referred to the most important milestones: The consistent brand and quality strategy, the early digitalization "with internet into the farmer's bed" and the willingness to innovate. Of the first 100 founding members, 75 businesses are still involved today.

The Carinthian provincial councillors Martin Gruber and Sebastian Schuschnig see this business sector as a symbiosis between agriculture and tourism, from which both benefit equally: Satisfied Carinthian guests with a high intention to visit again and added value for the farms. Vice President and provincial farmer Astrid Brunner emphasized the role of women and farmers in her statement - as an essential pillar in the rental and thus development of the tourism business.

The South Tyroleans looked beyond the borders with Hans Kienzl from "Roter Hahn" and Gerda Walser, Chairwoman of the Bavarian UaB Association: both gave Farm holidays in Austria top marks and attested to the pioneering role that the association plays in Europe: "No other country is as well positioned as Austria".

For Ferdinand Lembacher, Managing Director of the Austrian Chamber of Agriculture, many red-white-red export successes in the food sector are due to the fact that guests returning home like to reach for our quality products abroad because they associate many wonderful vacation memories with them.

Unique product may cost more

Both Christian Kresse, Managing Director of Kärnten Werbung and the successful hotelier Erwin Berger from the Feuerberg Mountain Resort encouraged the rural landlords to raise their prices: The recommendation of the two tourism experts was: "Raise the price by 20%. You have such a unique product and are sitting on a treasure chest. Seize the opportunity now, when customers are attaching great importance to regionality and sustainability!"

It always takes people to turn an idea into a project.

This is a process that is far from complete. After all, it is always important to take trends and current events into account. Fortunately, there is always room for special ideas at Farm holidays. "Our success is the combination of tradition and innovation," said Günther Zeilinger from Naturgut Lassen. Together with four other businesses and the Carinthian provincial association, "the quirky nights for colorful birds" was created, a concept for unusual accommodation with narrative power.

Stefanie Ofner from Bergbauernhof Ofner in Afritz, a young landlady, talked about her beginnings and how important the topics of mindfulness and respecting one's own resources are.

On the one hand, the guest. People's need to experience nature and their longing to be part of a real, authentic world.

Vacations as a sustainable experience for all the senses. "There is a difference between looking at the universe and going out into nature yourself," said Elisabeth Köstinger , Federal Minister for Agriculture, Regions and Tourism, in her speech at the anniversary celebrations.

The passage of time on the farmLandlords and landladies from all over Austria talk about the beginnings of Farm holidays 30 years ago.

Köstinger: "Great opportunity for small businesses"

On the other hand, there are the farms that have been able to create an additional source of income by renting out their accommodation. "Farm holidays offer a great opportunity for small businesses," the Minister also emphasized. "The most important thing, however, is the importance that Farm holidays have given to the role of women. Farm holidays give them the opportunity to create something of their own and to realize their potential."

The two UaB chairpersons Karin Schabus and Johann Hörtnagl were delighted with the positive development of the Farm holidays sector. They thanked the dedicated landlords and landladies who have been constantly developing the idea of this business for 30 years.

The entertaining and informative morning was musically framed by the "Nephews of Aunt Eleonor" and Simon Stadler on the piano. ORF Carinthia presenter Ute Pichler led the audience through the program.

Impressions of the anniversary event

"Mit runde 30 Jåhr" - the anniversary song

The young Austrian singer-songwriter Simon Stadler presented the song "Mit runde 30 Jåhr" (loosely based on Udo Jürgens' "Mit 66 Jahren") to the audience at the 30th anniversary celebrations. Lyrics by Michael Sabath.