Traveling with a lot of people

How to you get on the mountain for a interview in winter? Well, of course with your skis! Today I am meeting Gerald Stutz at the mountain restaurant Alte Schmide at the Asitz mountain. He works as a traveling companion at the "Reisewelt GmbH". It is an absolutely perfectly sunny day with the fog still hanging above the valley and the conditions of the slopes are tremendously good. That's the reason why I need to go skiing for a few hours before my interview. At about 12 o'clock we meet each other at the mountain. A break for me and a good possibility for Gerald to tell me about the challenges of travelling with a group of 850 participants. 

A man with a passion for collecting different things

Before we start, I ask Gerald to shortly introduce himself. However this introduction could not be done in a short time. Gerald Stutz works as a travelling companion at the "Reisewelt GmbH" in Linz and this is what he's here for today. But there is another aspect about him, which I find even more interessting. He has a passion for collecting different things. Long story cut short: he collects nearly everything! Here are some examples: 

  • Samples of water
  • Cutting boards
  • Schnapps glases
  • Passport stamps
  • Photographs of pantomime actors
  • UNESCO world cultural and natural heritages 
  • And so on 

Furthermore, he has already visited every place in Salzburg and Upper Austria, every continent (also the Antarktis), as well as every country in Europe. He reported everything on his website www.stutzergerald.at. It is really very interessting to read and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did. But back to our topic.

Gerald Stutz organizes company trips for a big company, which is located in Upper Austria. For this company, he organizes 11 trips per year for about 850 persons, and 3 of those trips have Saalfelden Leogang as a travel destination. And this already since 1990!

Came to stay

The answer to my question why the organizers of the trip chose Saalfelden Leogang as the destination of their trip, was clear: the hotel partner! The offer of the hotel Gut Brandlhof convinced the organizers immediately, as is one of the best in whole Austria. They come already here since alomost 30 years and they still remain loyal to the region, because everything just feels right. It is uncomplicated, individual and the tourism association Saalfelden Leogang is a good partner, even though there have been different contact persons over the last few years. 

Wide range of activities

Together with Monika Seer, who is responsible for the Group Incoming at Saalfelden Leogang, Gerald and his team organize the program for the three trips, which take place at three weekends in January and February every year. There are different activities for everyone, for example winter hiking, tobogganing, horse slegde rides and wellness. Another big advantage is the skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, which is perfect for skiing. But there are also several activities for those who do not ski. A romantic horse sledge ride and then tobogganing and afterwards a delicious meal at the mountain restaurant Stöcklalm. The ones who like to be on their own can take a winter hiking tour or a spa treatment and simply enjoy their stay. I must admit, this would also be a trip for me! 

Important for MICE trips

A very important aspect, when travelling with so many people, is the infrastructure of the destination. You need the right amount of beds and a program which every single one of the participants can take part in. "In Saalfelden Leogang, the infrastructure and the range of activities are diverse and especially suitable for a huge group like we are," says Gerald. "Moreover, just have a look at this stunning view! Every year I am looking forward to our three weekends here in Saalfelden Leogang."

MICE = Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions

Actually, Gerald and me are having a MICE event right now: a meeting. But this is over now. We enjoy the last sips of our coffees and let the sun warm us. Then I do have to go, because my skis are already waiting for me. That's how we do MICE in Saalfelden Leogang!

Are you interessted in the MICE offers of Saalfelden Leogang? Inform yourself here!