Even before there was a James Bond book on movie franchise, author Ian Fleming stayed in Kitzbühel as a young man in the late 1920s.
Fleming left the Royal British military academy and his mother then sent him to Kitzbühel to improve his language skills in German for a career in the Foreign Service. He lived in what was then a guest house but the 5-star Tennerhof Gourmet & Spa Hotel and also attended a private school in the resort. You can book to stay in the 'Ian Fleming - James Bond Double Room 007' at the Tennerghof where Fleming had his digs.
In a further celebration of Fleming's Kitzbühel connections, a group of predominantly Austrian and German Bond-fans have been organising a special 007 themed festival each winter over the past decade or so, with only the pandemic delaying the return of Mr Bond.
This spring though, the 11th edition of the James Bond themed 'Fireball' event returns to the Austrian Tirol, taking place from 10-12 March 2023.
The exclusive James Bond event's schedule includes a sophisticated cocktail party, a Blackjack tournament at the casino, a themed ski race, and a gala dinner.
This year's Fireball event will focus on the film "Octopussy", set largely in India and will see the Alpine region transformed with bright colours, exotic smells and vibrant costumes.