Daniela Kolesa selected to lead Salzburg tourism company

Tourism manager Daniela Kolesa has been selected to become the next chief executive of Salzburger Land Tourismus, ORF reported. She is expected to take over from Leo Bauernberger in February 2027, after his 25 years at the helm of the company’s marketing.

The state of Salzburg said more than 50 people applied for the position. Kolesa ranked first after the selection interviews, but her appointment still needs approval from the company’s general assembly.

Kolesa, 47, was born in Oberndorf near Salzburg and grew up in Lochen in the Innviertel region of Upper Austria. She studied international business administration at the University of Innsbruck, the Vienna University of Economics and Business, and the London School of Economics.

Since 2018, she has been part of the extended management team at the Vienna Tourist Board. Her responsibilities included destination development and management, stakeholder relations, cooperation with the city and tourism partners, and developing Vienna’s tourism strategy.

Local tourism associations own 48 percent of Salzburger Land Tourismus, the state of Salzburg holds 41 percent, and the chambers of labour, commerce and agriculture each own 3 percent. The city of Salzburg owns 2 percent. The chief executive position is advertised every five years.