Vienna International Tourism Industry News

Read the latest headlines about developments in the tourism industry in Vienna and Austria

Michelin Guide Puts Austria's Cuisine Back on the Map

The MICHELIN Guide, one of the world's most renowned institutions for restaurant ratings, has announced that it will once again publish an Austria-wide selection of top restaurants from 2025.

February 15, 2024

Africa Day 2024: Austria Looks to Africa's Future Markets

This year's Africa Day was all about Africa's future markets and offered a platform to strengthen economic relations between Austrian and African companies. Organized by the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ), the event attracted more than 1,200 participants from Austria, over 30 African countries, and guests from Europe, Asia, and the USA.

February 5, 2024

"Africa! Africa!" Enchants Vienna with a Spectacular Show

"Africa! Africa!" has now also captivated audiences in Vienna after its impressive success in several Austrian cities. The premiere, which took place on January 19, 2024, in the St. Marx circus tent, was a feast for the senses and cultures that delighted the guests of honor and spectators alike.

January 22, 2024

Signa in Upheaval: Rene Benko's Retreat and the Future of the Real Estate Giant

Significant changes have now taken place at the real estate and retail group Signa. Company founder Rene Benko is stepping down and handing over the reins to restructuring expert Arndt Geiwitz. This step follows pressure from investors and is intended to initiate a comprehensive restructuring of the group. Benko's removal from power was already apparent in the industry, but it has now been officially announced that Geiwitz will take over as Chairman of the Shareholders' Committee and the Advisory Board. However, the circumstances surrounding Benko's voting rights remain uncertain.

November 9, 2023

"Peace" Exhibition at the Jewish Museum Vienna: A Sign of Hope in Times of Conflict

In the heart of Vienna, the Jewish Museum Vienna, part of Wien Holding, is opening an exhibition dedicated entirely to peace - a bold statement at a time when the echo of war can be felt both in Israel and in Europe. Under the honorable patronage of Federal President Dr. Alexander Van der Bellen, the exhibition will be presented to the public at the Museum Judenplatz.

November 7, 2023

Rene Benko and the Future of the Signa Group: Silence Before the Storm?

The Austrian Signa Group once celebrated as a shining star in the real estate sky and a powerful player in the retail sector, is currently facing uncertain times and financial turbulence. Company founder Rene Benko, who has led the group from a non-operational position since 2013 and holds the majority of voting rights through his family foundations, is at the center of a heated debate about the group's future.

November 6, 2023

Vienna Pioneer for Circular Economy: Climate Lab as a Spark for Climate Transformation

In the heart of Vienna, more precisely at the Climate Lab in Vienna Spittelau, an innovative movement has emerged that has the potential to fundamentally change the way Austria's economy deals with its resources. Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler and the top representatives of Austria's largest companies came together to drive forward a sustainable transformation of Austria as a business location, with the Climate Lab playing a key role.

November 5, 2023

Louise Bourgeois: Unwavering Resistance at the Belvedere

At the Belvedere Museum, the exhibition is dedicated to the renowned artist Louise Bourgeois and was opened with a festive vernissage. Present were the French ambassador Gilles Pécout, the general director of the Belvedere Stella Rollig, and the curators Sabine Fellner and Johanna Hofer.

October 8, 2023

Austria Wants to Be One of the Most Sustainable Destinations in the World

The extent to which the issue of climate change now affects all areas of our lives was also evident at this year's Expo Real in Munich.

Birgit Adelsberger · October 8, 2023

Skills Shortage in Austria: Companies Feel Pressure, But Also Opportunities

A recent study by the recruiting platform Stepstone shows that the shortage of skilled workers is leaving a clear mark on Austria's companies. Two-thirds of respondents are concerned about the additional workload caused by unfilled positions. This is despite a slight increase in advertised vacancies of 2 percent in the first half of the year, with some sectors such as engineering, care, and construction even seeing significant increases.

September 13, 2023

Historic Center of Vienna Remains on the UNESCO Red List

The historic center of Vienna remains on UNESCO's red list of endangered World Heritage Sites despite recent changes to the Heumarkt project. This was decided by UNESCO. Now it is being examined whether the project is compatible with World Heritage in this way.

September 13, 2023

Green Peak Festival 2023: Austria's Pioneer for Climate Protection and Entrepreneurship

The renowned Green Peak Festival, which has established itself in the heart of Vienna as Austria's flagship event for sustainability and entrepreneurship, impressed once again. For the second year in a row, over 800 participants gathered to network, exchange ideas and discuss the latest developments in sustainability. The project was supported this year by the Embassy of Israel.

September 11, 2023

New Regulations in Vienna: Year-round Outdoor Cafés and Green Parklets

In an innovative response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Vienna has adopted new regulations for catering establishments and public lounges. Both Schanigärten (Viennese Outdoor Cafés) and the green parklets known as "Grätzloasen" are now allowed to remain in public spaces all year round.

September 10, 2023

Mowing Sheep Enrich Flora and Fauna of Vienna's Danube Island

As part of a pioneering EU project, the Danube Island's new and gentle inhabitants have proven to be surprisingly efficient lawnmowers. Around 70 sheep find a temporary home on the Danube Island during the summer months. As natural lawnmowers, they help to revitalize the island's flora and fauna and promote biodiversity.

August 21, 2023

Europe's Largest Flower Show: 70 Years of Floral Art in Tulln

A tradition that began 70 years ago with a flower parade on Tulln's main square has developed into Europe's largest flower show: The International Horticultural Fair Tulln, which takes place from August 31 to September 4, celebrates the anniversary under the motto "The best of 70 years - the great anniversary flower show".

August 17, 2023

Renaturation of the Wien River: Green Vision of the Wien River Oasis

The Vienna Greens presented their plans for the renaturation of the Vienna River at a press conference. Non-executive City Councilor Peter Kraus and City Councilor Kilian Stark presented the "Green Vision of the Vienna River Oasis".

August 7, 2023

Palais Lobkowitz: An Architectural Jewel in the Heart of Vienna Invites you to Discover it

Just a few steps from the Hofburg Palace sits one of Vienna's oldest and most impressive Baroque palaces: the Palais Lobkowitz. Built between 1689 and 1694, the magnificent building has housed the Theater Museum since 1991 and has attracted art and culture enthusiasts worldwide.

July 27, 2023

The 43rd Saalfelden Jazz Festival Gathers International Jazz Lovers and Virtuosos

The small town of Saalfelden in Salzburger Land will once again be transformed into a vibrant meeting place for the international jazz scene from August 17 to 20, 2023. Music makers, players, connoisseurs, and lovers of improvised music from all over the world will flock to the 43rd Saalfelden Jazz Festival, which will feature musical highlights and exciting discoveries for four days. Six official stages in the town, as well as the "Mountain Tracks" in the great outdoors, offer a program that will delight every music lover.

July 25, 2023

Austrian Museum Award for the Sigmund Freud Museum

The renowned Sigmund Freud Museum has been awarded the Austrian Museum Prize 2023, Secretary of State for Art and Culture Andrea Mayer announced today. The award, which is endowed with 20,000 euros, is presented annually by the Museum Advisory Board of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Civil Service, and Sport for outstanding achievements in the field of museum work.

July 17, 2023

Wealth of the Richest Austrians Grows Despite Global Trends

In its latest issue, the business magazine "trend" publishes its annual ranking of the "100 richest Austrians". In contrast to some global studies, which show a slight decline in the ownership of the super-rich, Austria shows a different development. The assets of the 100 wealthiest individuals and families increased by five percent to a total of around 210 billion euros.

July 11, 2023

Travel Tips in Austria: Admont Abbey Library in Styria

The Admont Abbey Library makes a decisive contribution to the attractiveness of Styria as a vacation destination and inspires visitors worldwide to visit Austria.

April 19, 2023

Science Museum Vienna: 150 Years Women's Pavilion of the Vienna World's Fair

Starting next month, the Vienna Museum of Science and Technology will present an anniversary show focusing on women's work, referring to 150 years of the Women's Pavilion at the Vienna World's Fair.

April 12, 2023

Vienna City Marathon to Take Place with a High Number of Runners

The Vienna City Marathon will celebrate its 40th anniversary with more people than last year, according to the applications and Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig. Around 34.000 people have already applied and 36.000 – 40.000 people are expected to participate in the marathon.

March 20, 2023

New Rotunde Will Be Built at Vienna Prater

A New Vienna Rotunde Will be Made at Prater. The Rotunde was a monumental building that was presented at the World Expo 1873, the first Expo in Vienna. In 1937, the building caught fire and was destroyed by the flames. Today it is experiencing its renewal.

March 7, 2023

Winning Ensembles of the 8th International Joseph Haydn Chamber Music Competition Chosen

For the 8th time, the International Joseph Haydn Chamber Music Competition, where young ensembles from all over the world compete, selected the best up-and-coming string quartets and piano trios. The two first prizes went to Trio Bohémo and Trio Pantoum, while the Chaos String Quartet and Trio Incendio were each runner-ups.

March 6, 2023

The Kunsthistorisches Museum Celebrates 10 Years of the Kunstkammer Reopening

The Kunstkammer at the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna celebrates its 10th anniversary. There will be several exhibitions with the time focus being in March and April.

March 2, 2023

Vienna Belvedere Hosts 34th World Tour Guide Day

The World Day of Tour Guides, which has been held annually since 1989, will take place in 2023 on February 17 and 19 in cooperation with the Belvedere. An extensive and free program will be offered on two days at all three locations of the Belvedere.

February 8, 2023

Austria Promotes Energy Research with 17 Million Euros

The Climate and Energy Fund promotes innovations for clean, affordable and reliable energy supply. The aim is to strengthen Austria as a location for innovation and to improve export opportunities for the domestic economy. A total of 17 million euros is available for the program, endowed from the funds of the Ministry of Climate Protection (BMK).

December 29, 2022

Qatar Celebrates National Day Same Day as World Cup Final

Qatar celebrates its most important holiday of the year through a bunch of events annually. This time, it is more of a special occasion, since on the same day as the national day the Fifa World Cup Final is also held in Qatar, which boosts the celebratory atmosphere in the country.

December 18, 2022

Pre-Christmas Period in Vienna: Christmas Market at the Vienna City Hall

The pre-Christmas season in Vienna has officially begun. The festive illumination of the Christmas tree on Rathausplatz already illuminates the entire square. The "Wiener Weihnachtstraum" invites this year with an adapted concept for more sustainability, less standel and more offers for families.

November 27, 2022

Book Vienna 2022 Promotes International Foreign Culture

Thousands of new publications and hundreds of high-profile events with more than 500 national and international authors and experts will be on display at the Vienna Book Fair from November 23-27, 2022. Diplomacy will also be represented at the fair.

November 20, 2022

Austria Awards State Prize for Innovation

The State Prize Innovation 2022 from the Austrian Ministry of Labor and Economy goes to the Lower Austrian company DSM Austria GmbH. With their innovation, they make an important contribution to the safe and healthy nutrition of animals and humans.

November 16, 2022

What is the Alps-Adriatic Economic Network?

Since 2007, the Network of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Crafts, Agriculture and Economy of the New Alpe Adria (NAAN) has been working to deepen economic relations. It now comprises - with the new addition of Bolzano - ten chambers from Austria, Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. According to the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, with one million member businesses, NAAN is making rapid progress toward becoming an EU Alps-Adriatic macroregion. Read more to find out about the project.

November 7, 2022

New Museum for the Vienna Prater

Construction work has begun on May First Street. A sustainable wooden building, the Prater Museum, will be built there by 2024. The museum, which will do justice to the presentation of the more than 250-year history of the Viennese amusement park, will be one of the first public wooden buildings in Vienna and a model for the integration of ecological and social sustainability.

October 30, 2022

Austrian Airlines Repays State Loan Ahead of Schedule

Austrian Airlines recently announced that it plans to repay the government loan granted in 2020 to bridge the COVID-19 pandemic by the end of 2022. This is possible due to the increasing number of passengers and a particularly profitable summer.

October 27, 2022

Vienna Airport Affected by Eurowings Pilots' Strike

The strike by Eurowings pilots continues, and passengers in Vienna are also affected. After the strikes it has become known that already 18 flights have been canceled, will not be carried out tomorrow another 14 flights, the airport announced. Destinations in Germany such as Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Cologne and Stuttgart are particularly affected.

October 17, 2022

Jewish Museum in Vienna Shows Political Acts of Contrition

The Jewish Museum Vienna is showing a video installation by film artist James T. Hong as the museum's first project to have more influence on social discourse. The exhibition "Apologies" displays apologies by heads of state for crimes approved or ordered by the state.

October 12, 2022

Number of Holiday Trips Back to Pre-Crisis Levels

To mark World Tourism Day, today we turn our attention to tourism in Austria. After the summer, the travel activity of the Austrian population was evaluated. The pleasing result: the Austrian population is travelling more again and is back at pre-crisis levels. Among others, this pleases the airport, which recorded an increase in passenger volume.

September 27, 2022

Lufthansa and OMV Cooperate Over Sustainable Aviation Fuel

OMV, the international integrated oil, gas and chemical company headquartered in Vienna, and Lufthansa Group are expanding a partnership on sustainable aviation fuels. Germany's Lufthansa plans to stock up on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from OMV in the future.

September 13, 2022

Ars Electronica Festival 2022 on Art as a Theater of War

Together with the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ars Electronica's "Welcome to Planet B" festival offers artists who are threatened, persecuted and oppressed because of the political dimension of their works a space on its online platform entitled "State of the ART(ist)".

August 23, 2022

Worldwide Awards for Austria's Wines

In international trade magazines and at renowned wine competitions, Austrian wines generated enthusiastic voices and won top ratings, gold medals and coveted trophies.

August 9, 2022

Virtual Economic Forum between Tunisia and Austria

A Virtual Economic Forum titled "Tunisia & Austria - Promoting Business & Investment Cooperation", was held online by the Tunisian Embassy in Vienna and the Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) in collaboration with the Tunisian Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA Tunisia).

August 7, 2022

Earth Overshoot Day: World has Already Used Up Resources

The Earth's natural resources for this year will have been depleted by tomorrow. By tomorrow, ecosystems would need about a year to replenish their resources. According to the Global Footprint Network, which is based in the United States and Switzerland, Earth Overshoot Day is slightly earlier this year than last.

July 27, 2022

European Forum Alpbach Will be Opened by Moldovan President Maia Sandu

The Moldovan President, Maia Sandu, will attend the opening of this year's European Forum Alpbach (EFA) together with Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen on August 22. At the start of the event, they will jointly address the EFA's annual theme, The New Europe, and discuss what consequences, in light of Russia's Invasion of Ukraine, Europe must draw from its current weakness and its inaction in the past.

July 27, 2022

Austria has the Highest Share of Female Startups in the EU

The Federal Ministry of Labor and Economy (BMAW) had surveyed the financing situation of female startups for Austria and Europe and discussed it at a startup breakfast together with representatives of the startup community at the BMAW. At 36 percent, Austria currently has the highest proportion of female startups in the EU.

July 20, 2022

Why Austria's Economic Recovery is Losing Momentum

According to the Austrian Institute of Economic Research (WIFO), the global economic slowdown, which mainly affects industry, has dampened Austria's economic outlook. This downturn is only dampened by tourism, which has recovered better than expected since the Covid-19 pandemic.

June 30, 2022

New EU Roaming Rules: What you Need to Know When Making Calls Abroad

From 1 July, new roaming regulations will come into force in the EU. These are designed to make it easier for EU citizens to use mobile data and make calls from abroad to home. Launched in 2017, the project is now being extended for another 10 years and is expected to bring significant benefits for businesses and EU citizens.

June 30, 2022

Austria Supports Women From Ukraine With Their Integration Into Austrian Working Life

The 100 Women - 100 Opportunities program supports Ukrainian women with their integration into the Austrian labor market. This New COMPASS Support Program was initiated by Austrian Federal Minister for Women, Family, Youth and Integration Susanne Raab, the Austrian Integration Fund, LEA and private businesses.

June 7, 2022

New Photography Museum Will Open in Vienna

A new photography museum will open in Vienna's Arsenal in fall 2024. This museum will be a showcase and discussion space under the name Foto Arsenal Wien. In order to adapt the building, the city is investing two million euros. Read more about Vienna's newest addition to the city's bustling cultural scene.

June 1, 2022

Congresses in Vienna - What You Should Not Miss

After a long dry spell, Vienna's tourism industry is looking forward with hope to the large number of congresses planned for this summer. Vienna, which is internationally known to be an optimal place for congresses, is the venue for more than 40 major events with over 1,000 guests this year and hopes to be able to attract as many events in the future. Here you will find a brief overview of the most important events in the city!

May 23, 2022