(openPR) - They flocked to the region from Italy and Portugal, from Germany and Great Britain: about 4,500 riders from 22 different nations participated in the Vespa World Days in Zell am See-Kaprun last weekend. For four days, the international fan community celebrated its passion for the Italian scooter produced by Piaggio. Since 2007 these meetings have taken place under the name of Vespa World Days. 2009 was the first year that the scooter fans met outside of Italy in one of Austria's most beautiful holiday destinations which is absolutely made for long excursions over the mountains and the pass roads. To experience this unique event dyed-in-the-wool Vespisti put up with extremely long journeys. Record holder of 2009: a Vespa fan from the U.S. state of Arizona.
Already one day before the 'swarm of wasps' arrived on Thursday, 11th June, the region of Zell am See-Kaprun had got into the right mood for the largest and most important international fan meeting of its kind. The trees in the town centre of Zell had been decorated with small wooden Vespa ornaments and Italian music as well as colourful flags guaranteed for the perfect ambience. Solely the weather did not cooperate on the opening day. But despite rain, the Vespisti enjoyed the kick-off event and their ride up to the Alpine reservoirs of Kaprun to the full.
On Saturday the riders met for a large parade circling Lake Zell sparkling in splendid sunshine. About 3,300 pilots did not want to miss the unique opportunity to participate in this great group excursion along the lake's shores. Like pearls on a string, the Vespas - from the first models to the latest development 125 S - cut a fine figure. But not only the participants themselves had a great time: passers-by and onlookers were enthralled by this spectacle and joined the Vespa fans and their party. In the evening the scooter fans kept to themselves, however. At the festive gala evening, the members of as many as 250 different clubs shared their love and passion for their dearest hobby with each other.
One day before, on Friday, the organizers had invited the Vespisti to a journey to Grossglockner, Austria's highest mountain. Already at 8.30 am, about 2,500 Vespa fans got in the saddle of their scooters, many of which have been revamped or painted in Pink-Panther or camouflage style. Then they set out on the famous Alpine road heading for Franz-Josefs-Höhe lookout at an altitude of 2,370 metres above sea level - the highlight of the Vespa World Days 2009 for many participants!
The visitors were absolutely delighted with the programme which had been set up within a period of merely six months and appreciated the organizers' efforts: the guests of the great charity gala donated about 7,000 euros to the Kinderseelenhilfe Salzburg, an association that helps children with psychological conditions. In view of the event's great success, Zell am See-Kaprun toys with the idea of staging a meeting for Vespa fans next year again. The name will be a different one then, though, since the official Vespa World Days 2010 are being hosted by the town of Fatima in Portugal.
For more information on the Vespa World Days and many other topics about the holiday region of Zell am See-Kaprun please visit www.zellamsee-kaprun.com on the Internet.
The holiday region of Zell am See-Kaprun with its 14,000 beds and two million overnight stays per year is one of the most important holiday destinations in Austria. The beautiful flora and fauna in the Alpine panorama and Lake Zell guarantee relaxation and well-being. Golfing, hiking, and bathing are at the focus for the summer time programme, but visitors can choose from more than 40 other activities as well. During the cold season, fun on skis and boards make sure that there is no dull moment. Skiers can comfortably reach the 138 kilometres of slopes covered with powder snow by one of the 54 lifts. Snowboarders enjoy the perfect conditions of the Snowpark on the 2,600-metre-high glacier plateau. Even in the summer you can swish down the slopes here. And family-friendliness is a top priority in Zell am See and Kaprun. For this reason, the region has already received various awards.
Contact within the region
Guest Service Zell am See-Kaprun
Brucker Bundesstraße 1a
A-5700 Zell am See
Phone +43 (0)6542 - 770 0
welcome(at)zellamsee-kaprun.com www.zellamsee-kaprun.com
Please set a link in the press area of your homepage to this press release on openPR. openPR disclaims liability for any content contained in this release.
Newsfeed
Store this image in big size
