Vienna – German tourists planning summer vacations in Austria and Italy face the potential for significant traffic congestion on key routes like the Fern Pass and the Tauern Autobahn. Concerns over potential gridlock have prompted reassurance from Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker.
Speaking to Bild, Chancellor Stocker acknowledged that traffic delays are a possibility, stating, “I cannot rule out that someone will be stuck in traffic”. He went on to recall personal experiences with holiday travel, noting, “As a child, I only experienced traffic jams when we drove to Italy. Traffic jams can simply be part of the holiday journey”. However, he emphasized that considerable efforts have been made to mitigate these issues and reduce congestion.
Recognizing that German tourists comprise over half of Austria’s foreign summer visitors, Chancellor Stocker extended a warm welcome. “All German guests are heartily welcome and I hope they have a wonderful holiday in Austria” he stated. He further highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two nations, adding that Austria, as a traditional partner and friend of Germany, is “at least as well prepared as a host as it is as a neighbor.
The comments aim to address anxieties regarding summer travel disruptions while underscoring Austria’s commitment to accommodating the influx of German holidaymakers. Authorities are continuing to monitor traffic patterns and implement measures to manage potential congestion during the peak season.
