The ski resorts in Austria, particularly in the Tyrol region, attract a considerable number of international tourists during the winter season.

With the emergence of the pandemic, there were concerns about the potential spread of the virus through ski tourism activities. In response, local governments of various ski resort towns and regions collaborated to implement coordinated measures to ensure the safety of visitors and residents while preserving the tourism industry.

To achieve this objective local governments in the region of Tyrol have: 
•    Established communication channels and forums for discussion, information sharing and strategy alignment.
•    Developed common guidelines and protocols for ski resorts (such as measures related to health and safety, capacity limitations, social distancing, and hygiene standards).
•    Cooperated with regional health authorities and tourism boards to enhance testing capabilities, provide clear communication to tourists regarding safety measures, and establish efficient contact tracing systems.
•    Worked closely with local businesses, accommodation providers, and tourism stakeholders to ensure their compliance with the prescribed guidelines.

#Stakeholder engagement #Empowerment