Tourism Games by Ischgl 2025: Clear the stage for the next generation of tourism professionals

Ischgl once again became a stage for young tourism talent this year. The Tourism Games by Ischgl entered their second round on 10 and 11 April 2025. A total of 14 teams, each consisting of five participants aged between 16 and 30 from Austria, South Tyrol and Germany, took on exciting tasks in the disciplines of cooking, bartending and marketing amidst the impressive Paznaun mountain scenery.

The competition kicked off on Thursday evening with an atmospheric welcome evening at the Fire & Ice Restaurant, where the participants were officially welcomed and given the latest information for the day of the competition. Things got down to business on Friday: the cooking category took place on the Ischgl Stage on the Idalp at 2,320 metres above sea level, where creative dishes were conjured up in the fresh mountain air from a predetermined shopping basket. In the Alpenhaus mountain restaurant, the teams presented their visions for the future of the employer and host destination in the Marketing category. At the same time, the Champagne Club focussed on the art of mixing - from classic cocktails to creative new interpretations.

High-ranking guests of honour

High-ranking guests of honour were also present on Friday: Tyrol's State Councillor for Tourism Mario Gerber and President of the Tyrolean Chamber of Commerce and Member of the European Parliament Barbara Thaler were among those who took the opportunity to experience the motivated young talents in person. Both were impressed by the skills and passion of the participants. Mario Gerber emphasised: "Employees are essential for tourism - so it is all the more important to set standards here and give young talents a stage. This event impressively demonstrates how much potential there is in the next generation. We have seen today that tourism is well positioned and that there is a great deal of potential in the next generation of young professionals. The industry needs committed, creative minds - and that's exactly what we're seeing here at the Tourism Games in Ischgl." Barbara Thaler was also impressed: "From the first to the last minute - the participants' performances and demeanour were highly professional. I am impressed by the next generation of tourism professionals. With such committed young talents, tourism has a promising future. It's great to see how passionate and creative they are." At the end of an intense day of competition, Team Trofana Royal came out on top and took the overall victory of the Tourism Games 2025.

The Obertrum State Vocational School secured second place, followed by the Oberwart/Bramberg Tourism School in third place. The excitement peaked at the award ceremony in the Champagne Club, where the winners were celebrated to thunderous applause. Afterwards, an exuberant after-show party provided an atmospheric finale to the Tourism Games 2025. Anna Kurz, board member of the Paznaun - Ischgl Tourism Association and head of the catering section of the Tyrolean Chamber of Commerce, was delighted: "It is incredibly inspiring to see the commitment, creativity and passion with which the young talents approach the competitions. The Tourism Games not only showcase the talent, but also the passion and diversity that characterise our industry." The second edition of the Tourism Games by Ischgl once again impressively demonstrated how attractive, diverse and sustainable tourism is as an industry - and how important it is to specifically promote young talent and offer them a stage.