The Oberstaufen ski resort has been awarded the German Tourism Prize 2009 for its innovative Oberstaufen Plus guest card scheme.

The new Oberstaufen Plus guest card enables guests to spend their holiday without expensive extra costs. Holders of the card have free access to mountain transport, museums, indoor pools and spas, alpine golf courses, and local transport systems. The card acts as a free ski pass for all four ski areas within close proximity.

This guest orientated initiative was awarded the German Tourism Prize 2009 by the German Tourism Association in Dresden Nov. 5. It was praised for replacing the aged guest card scheme and benefiting all involved – both hosts and visitors.

Benjamin Buhl at Oberstaufen Tourism said: “This concept is quite simple, it is not the guest who pays the expensive fees, it is the hosts from the hotels and guest houses that pay a marketing charge into one fund, where the providers are reimbursed. The positive development can be seen in the increase of overnight stays, since the start of the programme in April 2008.”

Alpine skiers and snowboarders can access 40 kilometres of runs linked by 28 lifts. There are also 100 kilometres of cross-country trails and 50 kilometres of winter hiking paths.