Nightlife in Vorarlberg: From crisis mode to the new upswing!

After corona apandemy, the night catering in Vorarlberg has shown the first signs of recreation. According to Thomas Krobath, the spokesman for the night catering in the state, the operators feel an upswing, especially since mid -2022. Overall, the number of visitors in the clubs has risen because more and more people, especially young people and young adults, have a desire for social events. "Coronapandemic has changed output behavior, but night catering has been experiencing a clear upswing again for several months," said Krobath. In addition, numerous clubs and organizers have tackled their own new takeovers and renovations, which indicates a positive trend and shows that those involved are optimistic about the future. A continuing popularity of the events is also recorded in the renowned Club Conrad Sohm, which contributes to the stability of the audience.

Another point that shapes the current situation is the changed admission price awareness of the guests. As club owners Hannes Hagen noted, admission prices have only increased slightly over the past ten years, while the financial sensitivity of the visitors has increased. "Prices that were accepted ten years ago are now perceived as more expensive," said Hagen. This indicates that a rethink takes place among the guests, which also gives the clubs to think. In addition, the question arises how the then required varied program offers can be maintained in the long term, while many clubs reacted to the challenges of pandemic by introducing alternative event concepts.

economic effects and changes

The economic policy interventions triggered by the pandemic to stabilize the financial system have re -losing the debate about neoliberal structures. In his book, Adam Tooze illuminates the global reactions to the COVID-19 outbreak and describes the pandemic-induced crisis as an experiment that offered both new opportunities and exacerbated inequalities. He argues that the measures of the governments, although they were quick and extensive, could not solve the underlying economic problems. In particular, the unequal distribution of aids and the financing of health systems show how closely the economy and politics are linked - a topic that also affects the strategies of night catering in Vorarlberg.

Pandemic has initiated a variety of dynamics - from the reaction of health authorities to economic uncertainty. While the night catering is a resilient and reacting creatively to new circumstances, the question remains open how permanent this relaxation is and what future challenges can still be managed. Overall, the mood is reflected that both locally and globally adaptability and innovation are in demand in order to be able to exist in uncertain times, as can also be seen in the analyzes of Tooze.