New investment: Falkensteiner takes over Resort Capo Boi in Sardinia
Falkensteiner Michaeler Tourism Group (FMTG) continues its expansion in the Austrian market by taking over the management of Thermenresort Loipersdorf, the largest thermal resort in Austria, as well as the Das Sonnreich hotel and the Loipersdorf Congress Center. In partnership with Merkur Versicherung and Granit, FMTG is entering the resort's ownership structure and will lead its future operational development, aiming to further strengthen Loipersdorf's position as one of the region's leading wellness and tourism destinations.
Located in southeastern Styria, near the border with Burgenland, the Loipersdorf Thermal Spa attracts around 478,000 visitors annually and represents the largest thermal complex in Austria. The resort combines three thermal areas, a hotel, a congress center, modern health programs, and a wide range of leisure activities, making it one of the most significant tourism projects in the country.
"With Thermenresort Loipersdorf, we are connecting with a destination of exceptional quality, a strong reputation, and immense development potential. We have enjoyed a successful, long-standing cooperation with Granit and Merkur Versicherung, and it was precisely from this partnership that the idea emerged for FMTG to get involved in the development of Bad Loipersdorf – not only as the operator of the Das Sonnreich hotel but at the level of the entire resort," said Otmar Michaeler, CEO of Falkensteiner Michaeler Tourism Group. "The shared vision for the further development of such a significant thermal resort was incredibly inspiring to us. We look forward to continuing this success story together with all local stakeholders."
For Falkensteiner, the project in Bad Loipersdorf is part of a broader development that increasingly links premium hospitality, health tourism, relaxation, and an active lifestyle. Topics such as health, prevention, regeneration, and a holistic approach to well-being are becoming more important to guests. Loipersdorf offers ideal conditions for this, thanks to its combination of thermal spas, hotels, health facilities, and congress infrastructure. The resort is located in close proximity to two of the company’s key source markets – Styria and Lower Austria. At the same time, thanks to the Merkur Health offer, developed tourism infrastructure, and strong brand recognition, the destination goes significantly beyond the classic model of a thermal spa.
"We believe that the tourism of the future will be increasingly shaped by health, vitality, and a conscious approach to quality of life," stated Erich Falkensteiner, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of FMTG. "Bad Loipersdorf combines tourism quality, health expertise, and a strong regional identity. The region has enormous potential. We bring international experience, but with deep respect for the history of the destination, its employees, and the existing tourism structures."
Gradual investments in the hotel and the thermal spa are planned over the coming years. Following the completion of renovations, the Das Sonnreich hotel will become the Falkensteiner Hotel Loipersdorf in the summer of 2027, a 4-star superior category hotel with a strong focus on family vacations. The offer will be enriched with new leisure and wellness amenities, as well as preventive health programs by Merkur Lifestyle, while the hotel's direct connection to the thermal spa will remain one of its key advantages.
Concurrently, the Loipersdorf Thermal Spa will be developed with a special emphasis on new facilities for families, the enhancement of existing zones, and the further positioning of the premium Schaffelbad segment. The goal is to further improve the quality of the guest experience and increase the destination's attractiveness throughout the year.
Special attention will be paid to employees, local partners, and tourism service providers in the region. "The owners, employees, and regional partners have built an exceptionally successful destination over the years. We look forward to continuing that story together with the local community and all partners," concluded Otmar Michaeler.
