Sporting events draw tourists to Carinthia

Sporting events have become an important driver of tourism in Carinthia, ORF reported, with smaller competitions also attracting visitors. The Ferlach Aquathlon drew 470 athletes on Saturday.

Participants from across Austria swam and ran around the Reßnig pond in Ferlach. Organiser Mario Kapler said the event had grown from 100 competitors in its first year to 470 for its 10th anniversary.

Josef Petritsch, tourism division chairman at the Chamber of Commerce, said the additional overnight stays were only one benefit. Large events such as the Ironman and the planned Wörthersee Marathon also raise Carinthia’s profile beyond the region, he said.

Smaller events were particularly important because they showcased areas outside the central region and established tourist hotspots, Petritsch said. Events involving children and young people were also important because they could become future visitors.

Petritsch called for less bureaucracy for organisers, many of whom work on a voluntary basis. Events in spring and autumn could also help extend the tourism season. He cited the Wörthersee Marathon at the end of September as an example, saying it could generate overnight stays as the main season begins to decline and allow the hospitality industry to retain staff for longer.