South Tyrol's travel agencies are fighting against illegal providers and demanding action!

South Tyrol's travel agencies are fighting against illegal providers and demanding action!

Representatives of the travel agencies at hds recently met with State Councilor Luis Walcher to discuss important issues in the industry. The focus is on the generational change in travel agencies as well as the fight against illegal providers who endanger the safety and quality of travel. Martin Pichler, President of the travel agencies in hds, called for the reintroduction of the preparation course and the aptitude test for technical managers of travel and tourism agencies. These measures are crucial to secure the entry of young skilled workers and to ensure an effective generational change. According to state regulations, the preparatory course should last 600 hours, which would ensure the necessary qualifications for new specialists.

Another central topic of the discussion was the problem of illegal providers, especially in the bus travel segment. These providers distort competition and pose security risks for travelers. Travel agencies are therefore calling for clear measures and regular controls to curb these illegal activities. State Councilor Walcher has assured his support and announced verified coordination with the hds for the preparatory courses. In addition, reports of illegal activities by the industry should be possible at any time, followed by checks by the state authorities to check whether travel agencies are required to have insurance.

Quality and safety in focus

Pichler emphasized the important role of travel agencies in relation to travel safety. Quality, individual advice and competent crisis management are crucial for safe travel. In addition, Pichler appealed to politicians to create better framework conditions for a strong and fair market in order to promote the competitiveness of travel agencies.

Amid these challenges, the entire travel industry is under pressure. FTI Touristik GmbH, one of the largest travel companies in Europe, filed for bankruptcy at the beginning of June 2024. Thousands of travelers were affected, many of whom were already on vacation during the process. The German Travel Insurance Fund is trying to secure repayments for affected customers. FTI's bankruptcy is seen as a warning sign for other travel providers that focus on low prices. Tobias Girard, Country Manager of WeRoad, reports that FTI has lost touch with digitalization, which has led to a particular decline in the industry.

The future of travel agencies

Girard notes that margins in the all-inclusive segment have fallen because online options are often cheaper. He warns of an unsustainable price war in the industry, which could affect customer confidence in the short term, but is not harmful in the long term. Girard is also observing a decline in local travel agencies that has already begun, while digital travel providers are becoming increasingly important.

Amid these trends, WeRoad has seen a surge in bookings following FTI's bankruptcy announcement and has sought to differentiate itself through community building and leisure offerings. The company adapts its prices flexibly to market conditions and strives for a best price guarantee. The strategy involves tour operators purchasing only the hotel rooms they need to reduce costs for consumers. FTI emphasizes that its bankruptcy is not retrospectively related to the digitalization strategy and plans to relaunch the booking websites.

These developments present the travel industry with new challenges, while at the same time existing travel agencies have to fight for their future. However, the exchange between State Councilor Walcher and the travel agencies shows that there are efforts to maintain and improve safety and quality in the travel market.