After the thrills and spills of Cardiff bay, Ramy Salameh, freelance writer and PR (Korea Tourism Org - London) jetted off to Carinthia.
The informal gathering is one of the many events that Klammer supports in his ambassadorial role on behalf of the regional tourist board of Carinthia. In February 1976 he brought an entire nation to a standstill, glued to their TV’s, as he skied on to an Olympic gold medal and the iconic status he still holds today amongst fellow Austrians.
A new golfing product (golflust.at) created in the Alps-Adria region was the perfect opportunity to showcase some of the courses, with the ‘golf mad’ Klammer heading up the first team of four. The blend of dramatic landscapes formed of lakes and mountains has become a sporting ‘Mecca’ for both amateur and professional athletes.
The ebbs and flows of cultural influences have always swept back and forth across the Alps-Adria region. Austria, Slovenia and Italy have long shared the exchange of tourist traffic and this new co-operation targets the global golfer.
The Austrian National Tourist Office and their regional partner Carinthia are promoting their new Alps-Adria Golf Card offering over 20 courses stretching from the Alps to the Adriatic Sea. The beauty of the card means ‘flexibility’ in terms of course choices, year round playing conditions and a fixed standard price.
This year injury did not allow me to compete, but was an opportunity to experience activities away from the first tee. This included walking part of the Alps-Adria trail stopping at many of the ‘huttes’, quaint wooden refuges that supply regional food and drink for the weary traveller.
Many of the hotels in the region are family-run and some date back over 300 years, such as the Trattlerhof.at, which includes a fully-equipped health and well-being area as part of a very re-invigorating stay under the eaves of the timber framed hotel dating to 1642.
The Adria golf card will be a popular addition to all types of sports groups heading to Carinthia and the region. This part of Austria is already popular with pre-season football teams attracted by the healthy lifestyle and facilities. The only part not guaranteed is a round with Franz, but I am sure that with the right incentive that could be arranged!
Any comments? Email Annie Byrne
