Tourism association challenges Bad Gastein spa investment

ORF reported that a dispute has erupted over the finances of the Felsentherme thermal spa in Bad Gastein. The tourism association’s finance officer, Thomas Tscherne, has accused the municipality and the spa of lacking transparency over a proposed 100,000-euro contribution and the company’s financial position.

The municipality wants to secure the spa’s long-term future by having the tourism association acquire a 49 percent stake and provide the contribution. Tscherne considers the plan premature and is calling for an independent review of the finances first.

He said documents requested from the spa had not been provided despite repeated inquiries. Tscherne also warned that taking on substantial debts while acquiring almost half of the company could involve a financial commitment running into millions of euros.

Tscherne additionally criticised a contract between the Felsentherme and a hotel, which he said was economically disadvantageous.

Bad Gastein Mayor Norbert Ellmauer of the Austrian People’s Party rejected the allegations, saying they were largely untrue and based on assumptions and incorrect calculations. He said the responsible bodies, including the supervisory board and shareholders, would consider the matter.

The proposed investment and contribution are expected to be decided after the review.