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The Embassy of Lesotho in Vienna |
The Ambassador
Reinhard Urschler
Reinhard Urschler has been serving as the Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Lesotho in Austria since 2008. In this role, he promotes bilateral interests and fosters relationships between Austria and Lesotho, with a particular focus on economic and cultural ties.
Born on April 18, 1952, in Innsbruck, Austria, Urschler brings extensive experience in business, particularly in the ski and leisure industry. He completed his education at the Federal High School in Innsbruck in 1970 and went on to earn a Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Innsbruck in 1975.
Urschler's career spans several decades in the leisure and ski industry. In 1982, he founded Interfab Freizeitanlagenbau GmbH, a company specializing in the planning, supply, and construction of snow-making and avalanche blasting systems in the DACH region. He expanded his business interests in 1989 by acquiring IBS Büroservice GmbH and MOSKITO Modehandel GmbH (later renamed RODA HandelsgmbH).
His expertise in the ski industry led to significant international involvement. In 2004, Urschler played a key role in developing the AFRISKI ski resort in the Kingdom of Lesotho, which he took over in 2008. He also founded the South African Rope Way Association (SARA) in 2007, demonstrating his commitment to advancing the ski industry in Africa.
From 1998 to 2021, Urschler served as the spokesperson for AUSTRIAN SEILBAHNPARTNER, representing the interests of the 80 largest suppliers to cable car operations. His leadership in the industry was further recognized in 2005 when he was elected Chairman of the Foreign Trade Committee in the Tyrolean Chamber of Commerce.
In 2017, Urschler was elected President of Skipool Tirol, an organization supporting young alpine racing athletes. His contributions to the business community were acknowledged in 2018 when he was awarded the professional title of Kommerzialrat by the Federal President of Austria.
Most recently, in 2022, Urschler was elected Chairman of the Vitalpin Association, an economic association dedicated to the further development of the alpine tourism industry.
Throughout his career, Urschler has demonstrated a strong commitment to international business relations, particularly in the ski and leisure industry. His role as Honorary Consul of Lesotho allows him to continue fostering connections between Austria and Africa.
Urschler is married to Gertrud Urschler (née Ostheimer) and is the father of two daughters, born in 1986.
