Vienna International Retail and Consumer Industry News

6.8% Inflation: How Private Households are Affected by Rising Prices

Inflation in Austria remains historically high and is pushing many households to their limits. Whether it's high gasoline prices or horrendous living costs, everyone is feeling the inflation. How the average household is affected by these problems and what impact they have on lower-income households, read here.

April 20, 2022

No More Masks in Retail: New Covid Rules in Vienna

Recently, the Ministry of Health announced a significant relaxation of Covid-19 measures in Austria. The mask requirement in stores will be dropped, and the green passport for triple vaccinated people will also be extended. Read on if you want to know what will change for you and in which stores you still can't do without the mask.

April 15, 2022

Russo-Ukrainian War - EU Adopts Fifth Sanctions Package to Put Pressure on Russia

Recently, new sanctions against the Russian state were published. The EU is trying to put economic pressure on the Kremlin and cut off the sources of financing for the invasion of Ukraine. What new measures are taken, you can read here.

April 8, 2022

Housing in Austria: Average Monthly Rents Remain Above Inflation Rate

Rental prices are not spared from the persistently high inflation. On the contrary - according to a recent study, rental prices remain above the current inflation rate. If you want to know how expensive rent is and how much the average tenant pays, read on.

March 30, 2022

Sony DADC Austria AG Tightens Production Program

The decline in the production program of optical storage media (CDs and DVDs) forces Sony DADC Austria to terminate and redeploy towards BioSciences and digital services.

February 22, 2022

Vienna's Mayor Ludwig: "Pandemic has not yet been mastered"

Mayor Ludwig announced that Vienna will keep some of the COVID-19 measures in place despite the federal government lifting many of them. Read which measures still apply in Vienna and what the mayor and health experts said about it.

February 21, 2022

Indian Edtech Giant Byju's Acquires Austrian Math App GeoGebra in €100 Million Deal

India's most valuable startup Byju's is buying Linz-based Geogebra, it has now been announced. Neither company disclosed the purchase price, but insiders say the deal is worth about 100 million euros and includes both cash and stock.

February 21, 2022

Vienna is Becoming the Start-up Capital of Austria

Vienna's start-ups generated an added value of 3.9 billion euros in 2021, making it the most popular place in Austria for start-ups. Read more about the start-up environment in Vienna and what it has done for the Austrian economy.

February 9, 2022

Lunar New Year 2022: Austria's Chinese Community Welcomes the Year of the Tiger

People around the world recently celebrated the ushering in of the Year of the Tiger. Read more about the Lunar New Year, one of the most important Chinese holidays.

February 3, 2022

Tourism in Austria: Number of Overnight Stays at the Level of 1970

Corona-related business closures and international travel restrictions continued to hit tourism in Austria hard in 2021. The number of arrivals by foreign guests fell by a further 15.6% in 2021 compared with the first pandemic year of 2020. Germans stayed 16.6% less, Dutch 41.4%, and Swiss and Liechtensteiners 36.6% less.

February 1, 2022

Austrian Airlines Relaunches Non-stop Flights to Los Angeles in Summer 2022

Starting in mid-May, Austrian Airlines will once again offer a direct flight between Vienna and Los Angeles to the U.S. West Coast. From 20 May, Austrian Airlines will fly five times a week to L.A.

January 31, 2022

"National Carrier" in German Ownership is Proud to Fly the Austrian Olympic Team to Beijing

The "Austrian Airlines" aircraft with flight number OS63, chartered by the Austrian Olympic Team, took off from Vienna Airport to bring athletes including comprehensive equipment non-stop to Beijing.

January 28, 2022

Austria First EU Country to Implement Mandatory Corona Vaccination

Austria has become the first EU country to implement mandatory vaccination against COVID-19 for all adults. Read about the new law, as well as the new incentives the Austrian government is offering for vaccination.

January 21, 2022

Vienna - Perhaps the Best Place to Go in 2022

Vienna was ranked one of the top travel destinations for 2022 by multiple international media outlets. Read more about this positive development for Vienna's tourism industry.

January 19, 2022

FDI in Austria: German Chocolate Group a "Success Story" Just One Year After Mars Takeover

Foreign direct investment is on a downward trend in Austria relative to GDP. It is therefore all the more gratifying that the Baden-Württemberg family-owned company Alfred Ritter is ranked as one of the "success stories" in the ABA ranking barely one year after the Mars takeover and start of production in Breitenbrunn, Burgenland.

January 14, 2022

Vienna Tourism: November Overnight Stays Plus 494% - "Only Arithmetically"

Despite a lockdown for part of the month, Vienna saw a stark increase in the number of overnight stays in November 2021 compared to November 2020. Read how this compares to the pre-pandemic levels of 2019 and how accommodation providers in Vienna have fared so far this year.

December 23, 2021

OECD: "Austria Is Set to Overcome the COVID-19 Shock and Its Economic Scars"

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has released its latest Economic Survey of Austria. Read what the Survey says about the Austrian economy coming out of the latest wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

December 20, 2021

"Golden Sunday" Returns: Austrian Non-Food Retailers Allowed to Remain Open on December 19

In an attempt to recoup some of the billions of euros retailers lost out on due to the lockdown in the middle of the holiday season, the Austrian government has announced that non-food retailers will be allowed to remain open on Sunday, December 19 for what is known as "Golden Sunday." Learn which stores the exception applies to and when you can do some last-minute Christmas shopping on Sunday.

December 17, 2021

These Covid Rules Apply After the Lockdown for Vienna and Surroundings

The Austria-wide lockdown ended yesterday and applies to vaccinated and recovered individuals (2G). For the unvaccinated, the lockdown continues to be in effect. What new rules now apply at the federal level and in Vienna and the province of Lower Austria (Wien und Umgebung)?

December 13, 2021

Inaugural Statement of Austria's New Chancellor: "We Want to Reconcile with History"

Newly appointed Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer delivered his inaugural statement to the National Council. Read what the new chancellor said are some of the key issues his government will focus on.

December 10, 2021

Luxury Goods Group: Swarovski Drops Further in Ranking

The famous Austrian crystal glass manufacturer Swarovski has fallen a further 3 places on the global ranking of luxury goods sales. The company's sales also halved between 2017 and 2020 from 3.5 billion euros to 1.7 billion euros. Read about Swarovski's decline in sales and the general downturn in the luxury goods industry.

December 8, 2021

New 153-Meter Luxury Tower V22 in Vienna to be Completed by 2025

Construction is currently underway on a new 153-meter luxury tower in Vienna's 22nd district. The project, known as VIENNA TWENTYTWO or V22, is expected to be fully complete by 2025. Learn more about one of Vienna's largest urban development projects and see what it is expected to look like upon completion.

December 7, 2021

Staying Overnight in Vienna During Covid-Lockdown

During the current 4th Austrian Lockdown (November 22 to probably including December 12, 2021) overnight stays in Viennese hotels are allowed for business reasons, but not for personal reasons. Find out what the requirements for an overnight stay in a Viennese hotel are and what exemptions are possible.

December 2, 2021

Salzburg Festival: Kristina Hammer Appointed New Festival President

The Swiss-Austrian marketing professional Kristina Hammer will be the new president of the Salzburg Festival (Salzburger Festspiele), taking over from long-term president Helga Rabl-Stadler.

November 25, 2021

Casinos Austria: Dutchman Erwin van Lambaart Appointed New CEO

The current head of Holland Casino, Erwin van Lambaart (58), will take over from Bettina Glatz-Kremsner the management of the partly state-owned gaming group Casinos Austria AG on April 1, 2022.

November 24, 2021

Vienna's Christmas Markets Get You in the Mood for Christmas

Vienna's famous Christmas markets are opening again, and they are the perfect way to get in the Christmas spirit. Learn about some of the numerous Christmas markets and what they have to offer.

November 19, 2021

Covid in Austria: Lockdown From Monday, Immediate Tightening of Measures in Vienna

Chancellor Schallenberg and Health Minister Mückstein have announced a nationwide lockdown for Austria beginning Monday. As of February 1, 2022, vaccination will be mandatory in Austria. Additionally, Vienna has announced a tightening of COVID-19 measures effective immediately. Read about the upcoming lockdown and the new measures in Vienna.

November 19, 2021

COVID-19 in Austria: Verification of Compliance with Applicable Access Rules Becomes Easier

A new app known as Green Check is now widely available in Austria and has made verification of compliance with COVID-19 access rules much simpler. Read more about the new app and how it works.

November 12, 2021

Expo Dubai: Viennese Coffeehouse is Culinary Ambassador

The Viennese coffeehouse, Austrian Delight, is serving as the culinary ambassador for Austria at the World Expo in Dubai. Read about how the cafe is representing Austria and what else Vienna is offering at the World Expo.

November 11, 2021

COVID-19 in Austria: From 3G to 2G Nationwide

After a meeting with the governors of the federal states of Austria, Chancellor Schallenberg announced a nationwide shift from 3G COVID-19 requirements to 2G. Read more about the new rule and what the chancellor said about it.

November 8, 2021

COVID-19 in Vienna: 2G Rule in Gastronomy and Vaccination Street for 5 to 12-Year-olds

Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig announced that Vienna is planning to implement stricter COVID-19 measures due to the increase in cases and hospitalizations. Read about the new measures and Vienna's plans to offer vaccinations for 5 to 12-year-olds.

November 5, 2021

Heidi Horten: Austria's Richest Woman Sells Luxury Yacht for 160 Million Euros

Heidi Goëss-Horten, the richest Austrian woman, is selling her luxury yacht, the Carinthia VII, for an astonishing 160 million euros. Read about Ms. Goëss-Horten's "dream ship" and why she has finally decided to sell it.

October 12, 2021

Doing Business with the United Arab Emirates: World Expo 2020 Opens in Dubai

The World Expo 2020, which kept its name despite being delayed to 2021, is set to begin in Dubai on 1 October. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been a particularly sought-after market for many Austrian companies. Read about the upcoming Expo, the economic relationship between Austria and the UAE, and some of the many Austrian companies that have found success there.

September 23, 2021

Vietnamese Business Delegation in Vienna

The Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly, Vuong Dinh Hue, and a high-ranking business delegation recently attended a business forum in Vienna with the Austrian Chamber of Commerce (WKÖ) Vice-President Richard Schenz. The forum included discussions about the dynamic Vietnamese economy and why it is an ideal location for Austrian companies and investors to diversify in Asia.

September 22, 2021

International Luxury Travelers to Visit Vienna

The Vienna Tourist Board (WienTourismus) is targeting international luxury travelers in a fall advertising campaign across Europe and the USA in an attempt to boost Vienna's tourism industry. This campaign will include advertising for culinary events in Vienna like "Feed Your Soul," it will market Vienna as a destination for business meetings, and it will target Ultra High Net Worth Individuals. Read more about Vienna's various offers aimed at international luxury travelers.

September 22, 2021

Women on the Boards of Austrian Listed Companies: Only 14 out of 192

A study shows that women are still significantly underrepresented on the boards of Austrian companies on the Vienna Stock Exchange. The number of female board members in Austria's listed companies has decreased by one woman compared to the beginning of 2021, leaving the total at 14 out of 192. Read more about the details of the study.

September 6, 2021

Inflation in Austria: Highest Rate in 10 Years

In August 2021, the inflation rate reached 3.1%, the highest value since December 2011.

August 31, 2021

50th Anniversary: Diplomatic Relations between China and Austria

To commemorate the anniversary of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and Austria, the Austrian Post (Österreichische Post) has now also issued a special postage stamp.

August 30, 2021

Casinos Austria International in Japan: Casino Resort Milestone Completed

CAI, a wholly owned subsidiary of Casinos Austria AG, has cleared an important hurdle in an elaborate selection process in Japan (Nagasaki Prefecture) for one of the three casino licenses to be awarded.

August 20, 2021

Woom to Double Workforce by 2022: Merging European and US Operations

The Austrian children's bicycle manufacturer woom has merged its operations in Europe and the USA. The company is also expected to double its workforce by 2022, creating more jobs in the manufacturing industry. Read more about woom and its recent merger.

August 20, 2021

Latest Corona Update: The Austrian Green Passport - What Is It For?

The Green Passport is now being used by many people to provide proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test for COVID-19 in Austria and throughout the EU. Learn more about what the "Green Passport" is and what it is used for.

August 17, 2021

Austrian Wholesale Prices: Largest Increase Since March 2011

In July 2021, wholesale prices saw their largest year-over-year increase since March 2011. The increases can be seen in the steel industry, gas industry, agricultural industry, and more. Read about which other industries the increases are affecting and just how significant the increases are.

August 6, 2021

Arab-Israeli Rapprochement in Vienna: Israel and Morocco Plant Friendship Tree

Ambassador of Israel to Austria, Mr. Mordechai Rodgold, hosted the Ambassador of Morocco to Austria, Mr. Azzeddine Farhane, for the planting of a friendship cedar tree at the Embassy of Israel in Austria.

July 23, 2021

Mayor Ludwig Announces Mask Requirement Remains in Vienna

Mayor of Vienna Michael Ludwig announced that, due to an increase in COVID-19 cases, masks would still be required in shopping and retail stores in Vienna. This decision comes despite an easing of COVID restrictions by the federal government.

July 22, 2021

The Future of Tourism in Vienna Lies in Overseas Guests

Vienna International Airport and Vienna Tourist Board have extended their cooperation with the aim of acquiring international long-haul connections. They believe the future of the tourism industry in Vienna, especially coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, depends on attracting more overseas guests. Find out why.

July 21, 2021

City of Vienna and Vienna Business Agency Create New Business Immigration Office

The Vienna Business Agency and Vienna City Government have partnered to create the Business Immigration Office (BIO). The BIO will help streamline residence permit and immigration issues and offer help with integration for key personnel and highly skilled workers.

July 15, 2021

UK to End Quarantine for People Vaccinated in the UK Returning from Austria

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that the government would begin easing COVID-19 restrictions for England on 19 July. People vaccinated in the UK will no longer be required to quarantine when returning from "Amber List" countries like Austria. Read more about this and what else the PM said will change.

July 13, 2021

Arab Ambassadors in Vienna and Economic Relations between their Countries and Austria

The Ambassadors from Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Tunisia, and the UAE to Austria provided an economic overview of their countries and their relationship with Austria in an online forum with the Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC).

July 11, 2021

Latest Travel Restrictions From Austria to the USA

Travel to the USA from Austria is still restricted due to COVID-19, but the US Embassy Vienna has provided rules for National Interest Exceptions (NIE). Learn more about them before traveling.

July 8, 2021

Handy-Signatur in Austria: What It Is and How to Get It

The Handy-Signatur is an important tool to have in Austria. It is useful for accessing many online portals, including health insurance and the new Green Pass for proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more about it.

July 8, 2021