AEHT

We started with the majestic Danube, less blue than claimed by the title of the famous Blue Danube Walz, but nevertheless breathing a dark beauty in the evening air. The boat the MS Stadt Linz was for one evening the heart of the Conference. We embarked in Linz at the Wurm and Cock quay, and sailed upriver in the direction of Passau, between banks where gradually lamps were lighting. Meanwhile on board a very pleasant meal was consumed in an equally pleasant atmosphere ; as we passed through locks we were given a presentaion of the multinational Danube project, and treated to a display of Slovenian produce by a team of stunning girls, as well as some wild musical numbers played by a Tyrolean band in which the devil’s violin played a major part. Amidst all the din of the confined space of the boat, Adolf Steindl had a hard job making himself heard in order to greet the party and to wish them a pleasant cruise. As did the official guide, who was obliged to interrupt her commentary because too few people were listening.

Another scintillating event was the Tyrolean evening given by the Zillertal Tourist Office and the Zillertal Hotel School, beneath a large tent in the centre of Linz. An incredible evening, where the atmosphere quickly became electric. We were treated to the history of tourism in the Tyrol, complete with sketches and a film, an authentic Tyrolean band, and a top-rate dinner, with plate-service courtesy of the Zell am Ziller school restaurant brigade, who were warmly applauded as they took their bow. An amazing evening that will certainly not be quickly forgotten. There was just one sad touch : the absence of Alfred Müller, the director of the Zell am Ziller school. He was ill, and had asked his deputy to represent him. Those who knew him had him in their thoughts.

What can we say about the excursion to the Salzkammergut and its capital Salzbourg via Bad Ischl? Yet more interesting discoveries for the great majority of participants. In two successive convoys of coaches, we could admire the villa in Bad Ischl where the empress Sissi came to rest between journeys. Next, the city of Salzburg, which was to everyone’s liking. Some of us climbed up to the citadel, while others strolled the centre of the city, athrong that day with thousands of visitors becasue it was the feast of the patron saint, Saint Rupert. All around the cathedral were fairs, markets, performers and artists. A good natured and relaxed crowd, with a few drops of rain thrown in for good measure. The organisers had also done their work well : each bus was well stocked with drinks to keep thirst at bay, and to avoid the problems of group meals in Salzburg, each participant had received a lunch allowance of 150 Austrian shillings, to spend how he or she wished.

Empress Sissi’s Villa in Bad Ischl


Mozart was born in this house. Thousands of tourists come here on pilgrimages.

But Adolf Steindl’s team had also planned a whole series of smaller surprises in Linz and the surrounding area.. Guided tours of the city of Linz on foot or by coach, a visit to the Jindrak pastry shop, with an introduction to the recipe for the famous ‘Linzer Torte’, and a visit to the Trauner priniting works. Other visits to the Wieselburg and Brau Union Brewery, to the Reisetbauer Distillery, to the enormous City-plus shopping centre …. And everywhere they went, the participants were welcomed in the Austrian style, that is with that pleasant manner that only the Austrians have.


In the heart of the distillery


The Linz Main Square. Wonderful !

But even if Austria is the very embodiment of tourism, there was no reason to neglect the specialist presentations part of the conference. Here again, there was a vast array of subjects on offer : a presentation the Danube project, foreign language training in Austrian tourism schools, given by the « Center für Berufsbezogene Sprachen » ( http://www.cebs.at), TisCover, CIS and e-marketing in the TTG company in Linz, coffee traditions in Austria, lecture on Austrian vineyards, tasting of Austrian wines from the "Weinkellerei Lenz Moser", marketing for quality food products, Leonardo European project, innovations in European Union educational programme ... All of this was of interest to teachers and school directors, who attended in smaller or larger numbers according to the subject matter.


Between John Rees Smith, general secretary, Christiane Keller « Mrs AEHT Christmas in Europe » and Danuta Przybylak, a delegate from the Poznan school, and one of the organisers of Christmas in Europe in December, there is full agreement : Austrian wines are excellent !

Let us not forget all the work done by the students, who have worked away without counting the hours to ensure that particpants enjoyed professional and smiling service. Of course, that is their chosen profession, and looking after 600 people is a real challenge – and one which they took up with style and panache. Well done, and many thanks.