The tourist group Falkensteiner Michaeler was declared the TOP employer in Austria

Poslovni magazin trend, in cooperation with Statista, kununu and Xinga, selected the 300 best employers in Austria this year. Falkensteiner Michaeler Tourism Group she won the title TOP Employer 2024. in the category Tourism.

But that's not all - out of 1400 rated companies, FMTG secured 31st place overall, making it the year's fastest growing company.

"This is a significant award and important feedback for us as an employer, because it comes from employees", says Erich Falkensteiner, chairman of the supervisory board of FMTG, delighted with the positive assessment. Among other things, employees were questioned in the study about their willingness to recommend their own employer, which is very important for FMTG.

"Many applications come through our employees, who actively recommend FMTG as an employer in their circles. For us, it's the best advertisement", says Otmar Michaeler, CEO of FMTG.

Diversity of tourism

The diversity of careers in tourism is evident at FMTG. The company combines various competencies from five areas of hospitality - hotel management, development, consulting, investments and camping.

"Even as an internationally active tourist group with around 2000 employees, we are still a family company with strong cohesion", explains Erich Falkensteiner.

Otmar Michaeler also emphasizes the possibilities of rapid advancement within the tourist group.

"Our motto is: Support and challenge! Those who are willing and give their contribution have full support and can progress very quickly with us. I am convinced that there is no industry in which you can progress as quickly as in tourism", he said.

Attractive benefits and training opportunities

In addition to attractive hotel and office locations, the group meets the various needs of its employees. Flexible working hours, opportunities for personal development and rest in hotels are especially sought after.

"We offer our teams regular training, individual coaching and interactive workshops", explains Michaeler. Furthermore, a wide range of different benefits are available, such as attractive prices for hotel stays and specific regional offers in the respective locations.

The company impresses with modern staff accommodation, inclusive healthy meals, various leisure sports activities, stylish work clothes, flexible working hours and much more. Additionally, it was introduced voluntary fixed tip.

A €10 tip is added for each night and room, if this is acceptable to the guest. This flat rate makes tipping guests easy and enjoyable—employees benefit not only from larger tips, but also from fair distribution within the team.

Special focus on young talents

The group places special emphasis on young talents. FMTG currently trains 34 trainees - the so-called Falkensteiner Youngstars - in its hotels and residences, and this trend is increasing.

The company offers young talents various events, trainings and trainings to promote their personal and professional development, including Youngstar Team Days, programs such as "Boss for a Day" and "Let's Talk & Business Etiquette" and the "Youngstar Win Win" conflict resolution program. In addition, participation in national and international competitions is actively supported and financed. However, not only the social skills of trainees are strengthened and supported, but also those of mentors through numerous opportunities for further education.

Living corporate values

For Erich Falkensteiner, corporate values ​​also play a significant role.

"We were always brave, stayed down to earth and treated others with respect. This has enabled us to build strong partnerships over the years – inside and outside the company", he explained. This is also reflected in the above-average length of working life of employees in the company – in seasonal hotels, the return rate is around 70%.

"There is a saying at Falkensteiner: you stay either for two months or forever - even if you come back after working in other companies", says Michaeler, pleased with the loyalty of the teams.

Hospitality as a sector of the future

The desire to travel is resistant to crises, and vacation is a basic need for many. Moreover, the longing for time in untouched nature continues to grow. Here lies significant potential for tourism as an industry of the future. This also applies to a career in hospitality.

"The hotel industry has learned from past mistakes. A career in tourism is cool again!", concludes Otmar Michaeler.

FMTG - Falkensteiner Michaeler Tourism Group is one of the leading privately owned tourism companies in six European countries. It unites the Falkensteiner Hotels & Residences divisions with currently 27 four- and five-star hotels, three apartment complexes and a premium camp, FMTG Development, FMTG Invest and tourism consultant Michaeler & Partner.

Photo: FMTG