Barbara Thaler supports shorter summer holidays in Tyrol

Barbara Thaler, President of the Tyrol Chamber of Commerce, has advocated for shorter summer holidays, aligning herself with a proposal from Austrian Chamber of Commerce President Martha Schultz. Thaler noted that businesses and entrepreneurs have reported significant organizational challenges regarding nine-week summer childcare periods.

Thaler also addressed recent criticism from the Austrian Court of Audit, which identified inflated structures and high costs within the Tyrol Chamber of Commerce. The audit noted that personnel expenses for the chamber rose by 41 percent between 2019 and 2024, a rate higher than in other federal states. Thaler attributed this increase to additional expenditures at the WIFI economic promotion institute.

In response to the audit, Thaler highlighted an ongoing reform and a previously approved austerity package, which includes a reduction in the 'Kammerumlage 2' (KU2). She stated that the reform process is expected to conclude in November and aims to increase efficiency and digitalization.