Simply Arrive
Interview with Michaela Tiefenbacher, Managing Director of Naturel Hotels & Resorts GmbH
In an era where hustle and stress dominate the daily lives of many people, the desire for a break, for deceleration amidst nature, is growing. Latschach in Carinthia, the southernmost state of Austria, is the perfect place for that. Families, couples, and solo travelers can escape everyday life in the charming hotel villages and chalets of Naturel Hotels & Resorts GmbH - 'arrive, feel comfortable, be cared for,' as the company promises.
Wirtschaftsforum: Ms. Tiefenbacher, together with your daughter, you run Naturel Hotels & Resorts GmbH in Latschach. What exactly does the name stand for?
Michaela Tiefenbacher: Naturel Hotels & Resorts is not understood as a classic hotel, but as host of two extraordinary hotel villages that were established in 1978 on Lake Faak. At that time, the Austrian builder Robert Rogner had the idea to dismantle old farmhouses and rebuild them here true to the original, comparable to an open-air museum. For him, the charming farmhouses were the ideal place for a then new form of vacation - the club vacation. From 1983 to 2011, the houses were owned by TUI AG and operated entirely in line with this concept.
Wirtschaftsforum: How did you come to join the company?
Michaela Tiefenbacher: I joined in 2000 as the head of accounting here, then became the managing director of the village hotel group, which also included villages in Germany, and took over the company directly from the TUI Group in 2011.
Wirtschaftsforum: How has the company developed since the acquisition?
Michaela Tiefenbacher: Today we employ 60 staff; during the peak season, the team grows to about 110 people. With the villages of Schönleitn and Seeleitn at Lake Faaker, we operate two extraordinary holiday villages with a special flair and individual character. They consist of 25 and 23 farmhouses, respectively. In some instances, 500-year-old wood was used, which gives the houses their distinctive atmosphere. Each house has up to four modern apartments. The centerpiece of the village is a central village square, a place of encounter. Those who seek authentic, down-to-earth village life on holiday, but do not want to forego modern comfort, are in the right place. In Schönleitn, guests can enjoy a modern wellness and spa area for relaxation, there is an event center and a kids' club. Seeleitn, which is only opened in the summer months, offers less infrastructure but enchants with direct access to the lake – a true highlight. Here, Lake Faaker is clearly the focal point. For guests seeking tranquility amidst nature, our two secluded chalets are the perfect retreat. The chalet by the lake not only impresses with its idyllic location but also features its own sauna with panoramic views of the water. Similarly peaceful yet differently, the chalet set at an altitude of 1,650 meters on the mountain, in the heart of Dobratsch Nature Park, is a place for those who want to experience nature in its most original form.
Wirtschaftsforum: Naturel Hotels and Resorts invite to switch off in a village setting or with secluded chalets, but there are also kids clubs and attractive entertainment programs. Which target group do you address with this offer?
Michaela Tiefenbacher: Our focus is on families from Germany, Austria, and some Eastern European countries, who spend their holidays with us, especially in summer but also in winter. Besides, we see a growing interest from health tourists who are looking specifically for rest and want to participate in exercise programs.
Wirtschaftsforum: You mentioned the increasing health tourism. What trends and developments do you see in the market?
Michaela Tiefenbacher: A look at the current situation in the tourism industry clearly shows – economic uncertainty is having a noticeable impact on booking behavior. Many people are holding back on spending; currently, vacations are not a priority for many. We had sensational numbers before Corona; then came a turning point. During the coronavirus pandemic, we consciously used the time for investments in our facility. Together with our team, we carried out extensive renovation work in the apartments, as well as in the wellness and spa area. Our houses are therefore in very good condition. Nevertheless, we will not reach the pre-corona results again before 2027 at the earliest. When we talk about trends, we observe a growing need for authentic nature experiences. Of course, we want to entertain our guests in our clubs and provide them with a carefree time, but we also see that the theme of regeneration during the vacation is playing an increasingly important role; one wishes for adventure on one side but also time to regenerate, time to feel oneself and to be consciously aware. With us, one can climb mountains, but also relax by the lake or during yoga. I am convinced that this need for tranquility, for retreat from the hectic pace of everyday life, will become even more prominent in the future.