Austria targets travel bloggers with new Propel conference

The Austrian city of Graz has hosted the first ever Propel Conference, an event for intermediate level bloggers. The conference content covered the tools to create quality content, and strategies to realise the value of their work. Propel Conference was held at the Grand Hotel Wiesler, in Graz. The conference was opened by the Mayor of Graz, Siegfried Nagl. One attendee, Kathryn Burrington, described the event as “an absolute game changer”. The Propel Conference was organised by Sarah and Terry Lee of digital agency, Captivate, and Su Höller of Graz Tourism, sponsors of the event. Captivate and Propel Conference founder, Terry Lee said: “We have known for some time that there is a need to professionalise the blogging industry and now, with Propel, that platform exists. “This can only benefit the travel industry, as bloggers’ levels of quality rise, their professionalism increases and, as a result, tourist boards and travel brands see greater returns when working with these reliable bloggers.” Susanne Höller, Head of Marketing at Graz Tourism, said: “It was amazing to host the first Propel Conference together with the talented Captivate team here in Graz. The conference days were packed with professional information and tips and the evenings were happy gatherings of 30 bloggers and speakers in various locations around Graz. “I am sure it will make an impact on Graz with so many stories being shared on social networks already. And for us as a destination marketing organisation (DMO), we are proud to be at the forefront of digital/influencer marketing within Austria.” Following the three-day conference, which concluded 27 May, the bloggers enjoyed post trips around Graz and the wider Styria region. Photos courtesy of Werner Krug, Graz Tourismus.