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Vienna International Tourism Industry News
Read the latest headlines about developments in the tourism industry in Vienna and Austria

Kunsthistorisches Museum of Vienna Offers 3D Exhibition
The Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) in Vienna offers visitors a virtual tour on its collection of the famous Pieter Bruegel the Elder. The KHM has the world's largest collection of the Belgian's pieces and will be displaying the twelve works with additional information in six different languages online.
January 15, 2021


Further Increase of Investment Subsidy

The Austrian government has decided to increase its budget for investment subsidies. The high demand for this subsidy by companies located in Austria has exceeded the expectations of the government and is therefore adjusted upwards by another EUR 1 billion in order to further promote investments into digitalization, sustainability and other sectors.
November 30, 2020


Leopold Museum Receives Historically Significant Klimt Painting

The Leopold Museum of Vienna received an art-historically significant painting by Gustav Klimt. A Viennese academic couple donated the painting, which is about EUR 475,000 worth, to the museum in order to make it permanently accessible to the public and to the visitors of the museum.
November 26, 2020


October: Minus 84.5 Percent Overnight Stays in Vienna

The Covid-19 crisis has hit the hotel and tourism industry hard. Especially urban areas are affected which is also the reason for the drastic numbers of overnight stays in Vienna. Compared to 2019, the city recorded a minus of 84.5 percent in the month of October.
November 20, 2020


Austrian Airlines Goes Into Hibernation

The worsening Covid-19 situation in Europe also affects Austrian Airlines and its success in the upcoming winter months. After a summer which was better than most forecasts had predicted, the current rise of Covid-19 cases means a reduction in demand for flights in the near future.
October 29, 2020


Danger for Winter Tourism: Germany Warns Of Travel to Austria

After Germany had warned against travel to Vienna, Tyrol and Vorarlberg last week, rising Covid-19 infection rates in other parts of Austria have led to an expansion of the travel warnings to almost every federal state of Austria. These warning will be in effect on Saturday with no end in sight.
October 22, 2020


September: 75 Percent Fewer Overnight Stays in Vienna

Compared to September 2019, Vienna has recorded 75 percent less overnight stays this year. Due to Covid-19 and current travel regulations, the City of Vienna faces a drastic reduction in tourists which can be also observed when looking at the statistical measurements.
October 20, 2020


EU Health Agency Classifies Austria as Red

After rising infection rates in Austria, the EU has issued the highest warning stage and switched the traffic light to red. Although there are no binding regulations or recommendations in connection with the traffic light, a decrease in travel is to be expected.
October 19, 2020


Federal Chamber of Commerce: Lockdown Is Unthinkable and Needs To Be Avoided

The heads of the Federal Chamber of Commerce emphasize the importance of avoiding a second lockdown due to rising Covid-19 cases in Austria. They also demand further support measures for the economy and particularly hope that the EU approves the planned fixed cost subsidy.
October 9, 2020


Tourism Conference: Clear Regulations and Low Infection Rates Are Prerequisites

Tourism in Austria will be possible with clear regulations and low infection rates, according to Tourism Minister Köstinger. The Federal Minister met with representatives of the federal states to discuss how and in which form winter tourism will be possible this year.
September 29, 2020

Increase of Budget for Investment Subsidies to EUR 2 Billion
The Austrian Government has announced a budget increase for investment subsidies. A high demand and investment volume in the first three weeks of the application period has lead to this decision that is welcomed by the Federal Chamber of Commerce.
September 23, 2020


Sacher Hotels Lay Off 140 Employees

The dramatic situation in Austria's tourism industry does not even spare one of the most prestigious hotels in Europe. The Sacher Hotels, located in Vienna and Salzburg, have announced the dismissal of 140 employees.
September 15, 2020


EU Puts a Hold on Austria's Fixed Cost Subsidies

The European Commission has questioned Austria's newly introduced fixed cost subsidy to the surprise of many Austrian politicians and experts. Companies in the sectors tourism and export were predominantly planned to be subsidized.
September 9, 2020


Foreign Trade Has Partially Recovered from Crisis

According to the latest report from Statistics Austria, imports and exports are only slightly behind last year's number indicating an upwards trend after Covid-19 has impacted foreign trade significantly.
September 8, 2020


WKO Secretary General: Labor Market Situation Improves, But Remains Great Challenge

The secretary general of Austria's Federal Chamber of Commerce WKO recognizes a slightly positive trend in the labor market but underlines the importance of ongoing and future economic measures.
September 7, 2020

Massive Drop in the Austrian Service Sector Turnover in 2nd Quarter of 2020
The service sector experienced a major decrease in turnover by 27.9% less than in the same timeframe of the previous year. The sectors "accommodation and gastronomy" and "other economic services" like travel agencies declined at the most.
September 3, 2020

Free COVID-19 Tests for Employees of the Gastronomy Sector
Tourism Minister Köstinger announced that employees from gastronomy businesses, youth hotels and camping sites can be freely tested for the Coronavirus since 1 September.
September 2, 2020


Biggest Ars Electronica Will Include 120 Locations

120 locations around the globe will feature performances organized by the Ars Electronica in Linz. Despite the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, the festival organizers have once again surpassed the dimensions of the recent years.
September 2, 2020


Economic Sentiment in Austria and the EU Brightened Further in August

Businesses and the population of the EU still have below-average economic sentiment although the expectations improved over the last month. The sharp decline due to Covid-19 is made up by about 60 % already.
August 31, 2020


Austrian Foreign Ministry Endows Special Prize for International Art

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg announces a new prize for international artistic projects that deal with the impact of technology and digitalization on society.
August 27, 2020

Three Quarter Less Overnight Stays in Vienna
This July, the number of overnight stays in the city of Vienna decreased by 73.3% compared to July 2019. The major reason is the Coronavirus lockdown and the travel restrictions implemented by other countries.
August 26, 2020

Austria Fears for Winter Tourism
The upcoming winter will be an immense challenge for the Austrian tourism industry. Tourism operators are requesting general and unified regulations implemented by the government to secure planning and tourists. A major focus will be laid on Après-Ski.
August 21, 2020


Vienna Based UNIDO Holds Expert Panel to Discuss Developments in Industry and Society

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization hosted an expert panel about the future of industry and society. Main topics were the advancement of attaining the sustainable development goals and shaping society as a whole.
August 21, 2020


Statistics Austria: Inflation Has Risen to 1.7% in July 2020

According to latest reports, inflation in Austria has risen from 1.1% in June to 1.7% in July 2020. The pricing of clothing was the main driving force.
August 19, 2020

Austria Introduces Travel Warning for Balearics
The government announced a travel warning for the Balearics and therefore reacts on the increasing number of Corona infected returners. The travel warning is valid since Monday, August 24 onwards and a negative PCR-test or a home quarantine is necessary to enter Austria.
August 19, 2020 · Updated: August 19, 2020; 18:37


New Timetable for European Capitals of Culture

The Covid-19 pandemic also affects the timetable for the European Capitals of Culture. Postponements and extensions are made in order to guarantee proper planning for the selected cities. In 2024, Austria should be hosting another Capital of Culture in Bad Ischl.
August 19, 2020


European Forum Alpbach Will Be Host to Numerous Outstanding Personalities Beginning August 23

The European Forum Alpbach will be opened by Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen on August 23 and will host various outstanding speakers, either in person or virtually, for 12 days.
August 18, 2020

Austria Introduces Travel Warning for Croatia
On 17 August 2020, the Austrian Government introduced a travel warning for Croatia as the COVID-19 cases among the returning Austrian Citizen are constantly rising. From today on, they are required to provide a valid PCR-Test which should not be older than 72h to cross the border to Austria.
August 17, 2020


Visit of US Secretary of State to Austria Results in a Joint Declaration by Austria and the United States

A joint declaration by Austria and United States was issued as part of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's visit to Austria. The declaration included, among other topics, commitment to rebuilding efforts after the Covid-19 crisis and the creation of an even better bilateral dialogue.
August 15, 2020

Landing Ban at Austrian Airports Extended from 10 to 18 Countries
In the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, Austria will reinforce the landing bans for aircraft from COVID-19 risk areas as of Thursday, 16 July. Thus, landing bans will apply to aircraft from the following countries: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, China, Egypt, Iran, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Sweden, United Kingdom and Ukraine.
July 14, 2020


New Luxury Hotel To Come To Vienna: The Mandarin Oriental Vienna

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, a Southeast Asian hotel chain that operates luxury 5-star hotels, is establishing a hotel in Vienna and invests 100 million euros.
July 8, 2020



Croatia Welcomes Announcement of the Opening of the Austrian Border


After heavy criticism from Croatia, and after Austria was accused of sabotaging the tourist season in Croatia, the Croats now welcome the imminent opening of the border.
June 9, 2020

Austrian Summer Tourism: Total Dependence on Germany
A recent study shows the great dependence of Austrian summer tourism on Germany, especially in the western federal provinces. The situation, which has been further intensified by the corona pandemic, will further increase this certainty.
May 25, 2020



Hotel Sacher Vienna: New Director is a German Again


Reiner Heilmann, the long-standing director of the Hotel Sacher in Vienna, hands over the management of the hotel to 35-year-old hotel manager Andreas Keese.
May 12, 2020


Austrian Airlines Terminates Flight Operations

Austrian Airlines is temporarily suspending its regular flight operations from Wednesday night. The last flight will arrive in Vienna on Thursday morning from Chicago. All further flights until at least March 28, 2020, or "until further notice" are cancelled. The airline is aware of its responsibility, will cooperate with the Austrian government and try to bring home as many Austrians as possible. One long-haul and one medium-haul aircraft will remain in use for emergency and relief flights.
March 16, 2020



Austrian Coronavirus Summit: Population to Participate in Containment


In a meeting of Federal Chancellor Kurz, Health Minister Rudolf Anschober and Interior Minister Karl Nehammer with the state governors in the Federal Chancellery, agreement was reached on uniform nationwide guidelines for dealing with the coronavirus. The Chancellor appealed to the population to actively participate in the containment of the virus.
February 28, 2020

Italy-Austria: Coronavirus Emergency Measure Caused Chaos and Panic
A false coronavirus alarm paralysed train traffic between Italy, Austria and Germany. Meanwhile the far right Freedom Party demands that the National Security Council should discuss the situation and that travel to Austria from the affected regions should be restricted.
February 24, 2020 · Updated: February 24, 2020; 11:57

Corona Virus: Austrian Airlines Suspends Flights to Mainland China
AUA Austrian Airlines will suspend its flights to and from Beijing and Shanghai. Also its parent company Lufthansa, and Swiss International Air Lines will suspend their flights to and from Mainland China until February 9th.
January 29, 2020


Austrian Airlines Sacks 10% of Its Workforce

AUA Austrian Airlines is planning drastic job cuts. Of the current 7,000 jobs, one in ten will be cut by the end of 2021. 700 to 800 employees are expected to be affected. EUR 90 million should be saved annually.
November 7, 2019


City of Vienna Battles Airbnb & Co

Shortly before the new European Commission takes up its tasks, the City of Vienna is launching a new Europe-wide offensive to finally achieve clear rules for digital platforms such as Airbnb & Co.
October 22, 2019


Salzburg Festival: Awarded Festival of the Year by Musical America

The specialist journal "Musical America" has named the Salzburg Festival "Festival of the Year". The Musical America Awards will be presented for the 59th time in December at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
October 17, 2019


Austrian Airlines Takes Over Eurowings Flights to Strengthen Vienna Hub

Lufthansa subsidiary Austrian Airlines takes over the commercial management of all Eurowings flights from Vienna. Vienna is to be strengthened as a hub. At the same time, Eurowings will strongly expand its presence at Salzburg Airport and increase the number of Airbus A319 aircraft stationed in Salzburg to a total of three.
September 27, 2019


Conference Metropolis Vienna on the Rise

With more than 4,500 events, 631,000 participants and 1.9 million overnight stays per year, Vienna is one of the world's most popular meeting metropolises and sets new records year after year. Last year was a highly successful year, as conferences in the metropolis of Vienna have never brought so much added value as in 2018.
September 23, 2019


Hilton Vienna Stadtpark Sold to South Korean Securities Consortium for €333 Mio

The Hilton Hotel near Vienna's Stadtpark is said to have been sold for €333 million ($375 million) to a Korean securities consortium - Hana Financial Investment Co., NH Investment & Securities Co., and Meritz Securities Co. The consortium is planning a modernization for €66 million ( $75 million).
July 19, 2019


Tourism: Why Does Vienna Need So Many New Hotels?

Tourism in Vienna is booming and the number of overnight stays is rising. New hotels are currently being built all over Vienna, from international hotel chains and five-star palaces to boutique hotels for city travellers, some of which attract with exposed rooftop bars. The Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere and the Max Brown 7th District were recently opened. A further 10 hotels will be completed over the next two years.
July 12, 2019


MOOONS: New Boutique Hotel with Spectacular Rooftop Bar Comes to Vienna

A new boutique hotel with the slogan "No stars just MOOONS" with 170 rooms on eight floors in high-quality design and with a spectacular rooftop bar at the Wiedner Gürtel in the 4th district of Vienna, opposite the new railway station, is to be opened in October 2019.
July 11, 2019 · Sponsored Content



Asia's Largest Airline to Fly to Vienna


From 18 June 2019, China's largest airline, China Southern Airlines, will fly three times a week from Guangzhou to Vienna via the capital Ürümqi (Wūlǔmùqí) in Xinjiang, China's most northwestern province. Xinjiang has made international headlines in the last two years due to massive human rights violations. China may have interned more than a million Uighurs, Turkic-speaking Muslims, in an attempt to suppress their desire for greater autonomy.
May 2, 2019


Development of Tourism and Travel in Austria

Currently the Austrian economy is in a phase of extraordinarily strong growth. More than 16 million holidays were taken last year. However, the current economic upturn seems to have passed its peak. Read the following article to find out how the development of tourism and travel in Austria will continue in the current year.
April 25, 2019


Congress Tourism in Vienna Continues to Boom

Vienna as a congress destination is booming. Last year, the metropolis achieved record figures for conference participants and added value. Around 631,000 participants (plus three percent) attended 4,685 congresses and company events (plus 15 percent), which resulted in 1,925,000 overnight stays (plus three percent). A single congress participant spends 541 euros per day.
April 5, 2019



Danube Tower - Viennese Landmark Celebrates New Beginning


After the modernisation, revitalisation and expansion of the Danube Tower (Wiener Donauturm) by the Blaguss Group for more than ten million euros and the creation of 30 new jobs and a new e-shuttle, the tower was reopened. The restaurant, located at a height of 170 metres, offers a fantastic view over Vienna and turns every dinner and celebration into a unique experience.
March 27, 2019