Inquiry about spectator’ s satisfaction: press conference on 10.12.2004

Seeing as the “Saslong Classic” World Cup race held in Val Gardena
represents one of the most awaited and traditional races throughout the
entire ski season,  a survey was conducted to help analyse the public’ s
satisfaction.  The survey was held under the scientific supervision of
Harald Pechlaner from EURAC’ s Inst. of Management and Tourism.

During the 45° annual “Saslong Classic” in December 2003,  20 surveyors were
able to interview approx. 750 spectators: half of them were from Südtirol/Alto Adige
and nearly one third from Val Gardena.  The survey helped shed some light on
the strong and weak points of the event by examining singular aspects of the
race and facilities.
“People who attend major sporting events have rather high expectations so
trying to satisfy their needs means creating a foundation for long-term
success and positive innovation for these kind of events”, says Harald
Pechlaner, university professor and director of EURAC’ s Inst. of Management
and Tourism.  The results of the study held in Val Gardena/Gröden  confirmed that
having many years of experience along with a consolidated organising
committee are key ingredients in producing a first class event.  Around 55%
of the people interviewed said that they were “satisfied” with the event on
the whole, while 32% claimed that they were “very satisfied”.  Although this
was good news there was still room for improvement.  Harald Pechlaner
suggested, “he comfort level for spectators could be raised considerably
and perhaps more attention on side events and entertainment.  Although the
sporting event in itself is very awesome and  exciting it’ s not enough to
captivate and entertain spectators in the long run.”

Organisers were given one year to come up with new ideas to help make the
event even more spectacular for visitors.  The idea was to give a whole new
dimension to the race¹s impact on the public as well as a better
representation of the “Saslong Classic” and the entire Val Gardena/Gröden.  “The
46° edition of the “Ski World Cup at Christmas” kicks off on December 17
with a series of surprises in store”, promises Stefania Demetz, president of
the organising committee – “To make the event even more spectacular, a giant
TV screen has been set up near the Camel Humps, one of the most stunning
areas of the course.  Visitors will also be enchanted by the entertainment
program:  Val Gardena’ s orchestra of wind instruments guarantee a cozy
Christmas atmosphere while party-goers are insured a good time with “World
Cup Adventures“.