"Miss, please pay"-book presentation

The book “Fräulein, bitte zahlen” by Sigrid Mahlknecht Ebner and Katharina Weiss is a collection of memories from women in South Tyrol who worked in the hospitality sector. In their personal stories, they describe their often demanding working lives with long hours, interactions with guests, and work in family-run businesses. The book also shows how both the industry and women’s roles have changed from post-war tourism to the present, offering insight into life behind the scenes of hospitality and a piece of South Tyrolean everyday history.

Many of the women also recall their youth, when they entered working life at a very early age and had little free time. Despite the hard conditions, they often speak of strong teamwork and close relationships with regular guests. The book highlights the dedication and endurance behind what may seem like simple service work. In german