Published on : Friday, April 24, 2020
Ischgl has often considered itself as the “Ibiza of the Alps” and is located at a point where Austria, Italy, and Switzerland meet. According to reports, more than 800 cases spread across the country can be traced back to the resort area and the surrounding Paznaun valley. Numerous foreign tourists were infected with the coronavirus disease in Ischgl, making the crowded ski bars a breeding ground for the virus.
Werner Kurz, Mayor, Ischgl said in a press statement that developments of the past few years will be questioned and corrections would be made in necessary areas. He mentioned that the town’s image as a party destination was unfair because that was just a small part of its offering. He informed that authorities would be working with local businesses to make required changes.
He mentioned that the latest move would encourage more quality tourism and less party tourism. It would prioritise skiers and fewer day-trippers to tour the entire region instead of engaging solely with parties. He added that the tourism authority also thinking about the possibility of an upmarket apres-ski culture and discussing it with all businesses in the area.
On March 5, Iceland declared Ischgl after tourists returning from the resort were found to have been infected by the virus. However, the provincial government of Tyrol, which includes Ischgl refused to accept the claim and mentioned that tourists caught the COVID-19 virus in a plane.
Later when one of the bars in the area closed down due to a barman being infected, strict measures were undertaken. However, Tyrol’s Governor Guenther Platter has acknowledged the mistakes and the national government has said there would be a review of things that went wrong.
Tags: Alpine ski resort, austria, Coronavirus, Ischgl