A recent survey has revealed that every second European regards terrorism as the greatest test of the European Union’s policy on security. For the conference of the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS) in 2017, the issue of security was one reason for choosing the Congress Messe Innsbruck. Government leaders say everything possible is done in Tyrol to maintain a safe security situation. And they think that policy paid off ahead of the European Football Championship.
Terrorism - the biggest security challenge
The attacks in Brussels or in Istanbul, the refugee crisis or the ongoing Ukraine conflict: within the European Union the issue of security has never mattered so much as it does now. In a survey recently published by the European Commission, half of all respondents named terrorism as the biggest security challenge facing the EU. Christian Mayerhofer, CEO of the Congress Messe Innsbruck (CMI), said that this could be a reason why the demand for security is increasing, even in the exhibition and conference industry. “As well as offering our in-house expertise, it is becoming increasingly important to take into account external and global factors in relation to security.”
According to the latest analysis of travel trends by the German “Forschungsgemeinschaft Urlaub und Reisen” (FUR), against the background of the terrorist threat, a shift in demand at travel destinations is expected during the coming months. And that explains why interest in Austria has increased. Figures from Statistik Austria prove the point: with more than 45 million overnight tourist stays, the Austrian Tyrol is among the most successful tourist areas in the world. Tyrol State Governor Günther Platter confirmed that it is also among the safest of regions: “In Tyrol we have undertaken, and will continue to undertake – in preventive and pro-active terms – everything possible to ensure safety. The confidence in our security services and their professional work contribute considerably to the high level of safety in our country.” This was made clear earlier this year at the Tyrol state security summit held at Messe Innsbruck, when issues around the excellent collaboration and integration between all Tyrolean security organisations were discussed by state politicians.
Patrizia Zoller-Frischauf, Member of the Regional Government, made the point: “For the Tyrolean economy, safety is always a top priority. The positive effects arising from our excellent security situation are now clearly visible just as the European Football Championship starts.” Led by the host country France, whose national team has been preparing for the great event on Austrian turf in the Tyrolean village of Neustift im Stubaital, other major football teams from Europe and beyond may well also like to take advantage of Tyrol for their training preparations. “Our regional economy benefits greatly: everything from accommodation to catering and retail. I must therefore at this point pass on my special thanks to all security forces in our country, who have achieved this high standard of safety through their 24/7 commitment,” said Mrs Zoller-Frischauf.
The excellent security situation in Tyrol and Innsbruck has not gone unnoticed by many international congress organisers. With the European Society of Thoracic Surgery (ESTS) conference booked for the spring of 2017, a truly top event is coming to Innsbruck. Already this year the convention of the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS), a high-calibre gathering, was held this year in the Congress Innsbruck. For the ESTS’s local convention president, Professor Thomas Schmid, the bonus for Innsbruck is not just to do with security-related issues: “On the one hand there is the special appeal of the region and of Innsbruck, on the other hand our successful bid is also a recognition of the ongoing clinical work on thoracic surgery in Innsbruck.” Referring to the excellent security situation in Innsbruck, Schmid went on to explain that at such events, with an omnipresent terror threat, ultimately the safety argument could not be underestimated. Over 1,500 international scientists and medics are expected to attend the ESTS European Conference between May 28 to June 1, 2017.
