Twice gold for Saalfelden Leogang

Saalfelden Leogang can now call itself “Sport Tourism Region of the Year” and as the organizer of the Mountain Bike World Championship also wins in the category “Sport Marketing Campaign of the Year”.  

 
The aim of the VICTOR Award is to recognize special people, initiatives, products and services whose business field is located in the sports and leisure industry. The aim is to highlight the economic and social connection between sport and business. Sports business industry experts nominated their personal five favorites in six categories. In each category, these five nominees were prepared for further voting by the editors of the Sport Business magazine. The result consisted of the online voting (50 percent) and the decision of the jury (50 percent). Due to the fact that a ceremonial award ceremony was not possible this year, the result was published via online stream on December 15, 2020 at 6 p.m. In the categories “Sport Tourism Region of the Year” and “Sport Marketing Campaign of the Year”, the destination Saalfelden Leogang was able to secure first place. In the category “Sport Tourism Region of the Year”, Saalfelden Leogang (Salzburg) takes first place, followed by the region of Wurthersee (Carinthia) in second place and Lech Zurs (Vorarlberg) in third place. In the “Sport Marketing Campaign of the Year” category, Saalfelden Leogang won gold with the mountain bike world championship, closely followed by UniCredit Bank Austria with tennis star Dominic Thiem in second place and Raiffeisen with former ski stars Hermann Maier and Marcel Hirscher in third place.

 
Marco Pointner, Managing Director of Saalfelden Leogang Tourismik and World Cup organiser, is delighted: “We are extremely pleased with the top result. Gold is truly a special award, and that in two categories. This result is only possible because the different service partners in the region pull together and continue to improve the quality and innovation of the leading tourist products. This year was a lot different than usual. But together we were able to face these challenges and achieve great things for the most contrasting region of the Alps.”

 
The “Sport Tourism Region of the Year” before the curtain

The holiday region Saalfelden Leogang inspires 365 days a year with top-class sports experiences and top events. Whether biking, hiking, skiing or Nordic sports – the region offers high-quality infrastructure and activities. In the cold months you can choose between skiing in the Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn Ski Circus and concentrated Nordic expertise, which makes the region the Nordic centre in SalzburgerLand. In summer, the region is a true hiking paradise. Bergfexe have the choice between high alpine tours in the Leoganger Steinbergen and the Steiner Meer or leisurely hikes in the Grasbergen. Families can experience a variety of exciting activities at the property. Saalfelden Leogang has made a big name in terms of cycling. The Epic Bikepark Leogang, international bike events, countless trails for rookies and pros, specialized bike accommodations, shops and schools make the bike holiday an absolute round thing.  The perfect holiday experience also includes a lot of enjoyment and this is guaranteed in the region. Whether dinner in a hooded restaurant, tasting the homemade products on the alpine pasture or relaxing in a wellness oasis of the local hotel industry – there is something for everyone here.

Gold in the category “Sports Marketing Campaign of the Year”

The highlight of the year was the hosting of the UCI 2020 Mountainbike World Championships from 7th to 11th October 2020 at the Epic Bikepark Leogang. After eight years, the battle for the coveted rainbow jerseys took place for the second time in Saalfelden Leogang, this time in the disciplines Cross Country, Downhill and E-MTB. Even in difficult conditions, the event was a complete success. The sophisticated safety concept and disciplined implementation showed that international mountain bike competitions can be held even in difficult times. Around 700 athletes from 48 nations took part. Due to Covid-19 safety measures, no spectators were allowed at the World Cup grounds. Thanks to 37 TV and streaming providers from 20 countries (e.g. ZDF, ORF, host broadcaster Red Bull TV etc.), mountain bike fans worldwide had the opportunity to follow the races from home. Saalfelden Leogang is already looking forward to hosting the first double World Cup in the disciplines Cross Country and Downhill, which will take place in Saalfelden Leogang from 11-13 June 2021. 

Kornel Grundner, Managing Director of the Leoganger Bergbahnen and World Cup organisers: “2020 was challenging and exciting at the same time. The coronavirus pandemic still has us all firmly in control. But in times like these, positives also show: for example, that you can achieve a lot with good teamwork, courage and confidence. For example, a lot has been done on the domestic bike infrastructure this year: Saalfelden Leogang has joined forces with Saalbach Hinterglemm and Fieberbrunn to form the largest bike region in Austria. New trails have been created in Saalfelden Leogang and Epic Bikepark Leogang have been created and a lot has been invested in the bike infrastructure. In addition, there was a very special highlight this year under difficult circumstances: the three-time mountain bike world championship. To be awarded with two gold medals is a special honour and strengthens us in our work and creativity.”

Since 2016, the Saalfelden Leogang region has been able to call itself “Sport Leading Company”. The certificate, awarded by the Institute of Sport Economics of the Federal Ministry (SPEA), is the seal of approval for Austria’s most innovative and forward-looking sports and leisure companies.