Vienna International Tourism Industry News

India Facilitates Visa Scheme for Austrian Travellers

India has extended e-Tourist Visa (e-TV) scheme to the citizens of Austria. Under e-Tourist Visa scheme, citizens of Austria may now apply online four days in advance to obtain the Electronic Travel Authorization for traveling to India.

June 27, 2016

Jazz Festival Brings Cyndi Lauper and Jamie Cullum to Vienna

The Vienna Jazz Festival, a fixed item in the annual festival series, offers more than the eponymous cool sound. Soul, funk, pop, electronic and ethnic sounds can also be enjoyed - and all in the best venues. From 28 June to 11 July, the Vienna Jazz Festival brings high-ranking stars such as Cyndi Lauper and Jamie Cullum to Vienna's stages.

June 14, 2016

Music and Culture Festival Draws 30,000 Guests to the Vienna Danube Canal

The three-day music and culture festival will draw about 30,000 guests to the Danube Canal in Vienna again for the tenth time, from 27 to 29 May 2016. The watercourse running through the city center, which is normally a popular local recreation area, becomes the stage for numerous live concerts by mostly Austrian Indie bands on this weekend.

April 29, 2016

Vienna Culinary Festival at the Vienna Stadtpark

At the beginning of May, the Vienna Stadtpark will be turned into a place of epicurean delights: The "Genussfestival" will be a showcase for select culinary specialties from Austria.

April 28, 2016

Long-Distance Coach Operator Flixbus to Compete with ÖBB Austrian Railways

Austrian state-run rail company ÖBB Austrian Railways is facing increasing competition of German mobility provider Flixbus which has just launched its third connection for Austria's regional capital cities, between Graz and Salzburg. In January 2016 FlixBus announced its entry to the markets of Central and Eastern Europe with the new branch FlixBus CEE. This includes six countries (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia and Croatia) with new lines in the making. () am

April 27, 2016

Summer Night Concert by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

At the Summer Night Concert on 26 May the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra plays open-air in Schönbrunn Palace park and to the familiar high standard. What is unusual is that they play this concert, held each year since 2004, with free admission: it is a way for the famous ensemble to give around 100,000 visitors and the global TV audience a special experience.

April 27, 2016

AUA Started Flights to Shanghai, Tokyo Will Be Removed

The initial Austrian Airlines flight to Shanghai took off from Vienna yesterday. AUA will terminate the connection to Tokyo as of September 4 and will rather bet again on Chinese destinations. The economic slowdown of the Japanese economy made the Vienna-Tokyo route unprofitable. Instead AUA starts with five weekly flights to Shanghai on a Boeing 777.

April 7, 2016

Austrian Airlines to Offer Flights to Hong Kong Starting September 5, 2016

AUA Austrian Airlines has signed an agreement with Hong Kong authorities to ad Hong Kong International Airport to its portfolio of long-haul destinations. AUA will fly up to 5 times a week to Hong Kong as of September 5, 2016. The direct link to Vienna will also be the gateway to Eastern Europe for the Hongkongese as well as the South-Chinese business community.

March 9, 2016

250 Years of the Vienna Prater Amusement Park

2016 is a major anniversary year for the Prater: Emperor Joseph II. opened the former hunting grounds to the public 250 years ago. On the 7th of April 2016 the Vienna Prater amusement park (Wiener Prater) will be celebrating its 250th anniversary.

February 29, 2016

Quality of Living - Vienna is still the Number One

Vienna again tops the quality of living survey in 2016. The results of the Mercer study show, for the seventh time in a row, that Vienna's approach to quality of living is internationally acknowledged. Vienna is followed by Zurich (2), Auckland (3), and Munich (4).Vancouver (5) is North America’s highest ranking city, and Singapore is the highest ranking Asian city, holding 26th place. London ranks 39th.

February 26, 2016

Austrian Culture - Vienna’s Easter Markets

Traditional Easter decorations and artfully decorated eggs, culinary treats and a program of music await you at Vienna’s Easter markets in March. There’s all sorts of entertainment for young visitors to the markets.

February 26, 2016

Vietnam: Doppelmayr Inaugurates World's Longest 3-Rope Cable Car System

The world's longest three-rope cable car system was inaugurated in Vietnam's northern Lao Cai province. With the total length of 6,292.5 meters, the system was recognized by Guinness World Records as world's longest three-rope cable car route, and the world's biggest height gap between its departure and arrival stations of 1,410 meters.

February 4, 2016

Vienna Ice World - A Paradise for Skating Fans

The idyllically illuminated façade of City Hall forms the fairytale backdrop for Vienna Ice World. From 21 January to 6 March 2016, City Hall Square transforms into a giant ice rink and becomes a paradise for skating fans of every age.

December 23, 2015

New Vienna Central Station Offers New Connections and Shorter Travel Times

With the timetable change on 13 December 2015, Vienna Central Station and Vienna Meidling train station will be assuming their full role as a regional transportation hub. Bringing together the Western, Southern, Eastern and Northern Routes at Vienna Central Station and Vienna Meidling, creates a transportation hub with direct connection to all Austrian state capitals as well as Vienna Airport. For travelers this means better connections, shorter travel times and more comfortable traveling.

December 7, 2015 · Updated: December 7, 2015; 18:15

What to Do in Vienna at New Year's Eve?

New Year’s Eve in Vienna without music and dancing? No way! Whether Musikverein, Konzerthaus, Theater an der Wien or Kammeroper: Musical delights will be everywhere guaranteed.

November 27, 2015

Viennese Christmas Markets with Design

If you’re looking for original Christmas gifts, then head for the Vienna design Christmas markets. Apart from the numerous Christmas markets offering classic handicrafts, Vienna also has a few markets where designers offer original and individual creations for sale.

November 26, 2015

Pink Christmas in Vienna - Rainbow Christmas Market

The second gay and lesbian Christmas market Pink Christmas in Vienna will be held in November and December 2015.

November 25, 2015

Celebrate New Years Eve 2015/16 in Vienna

At the change of year, the whole of Vienna is given over to partying and dancing. The New Year’s Eve Trail in the Old City is the highlight. A great ambience can be enjoyed as much at a gala dinner or festive ball as it can at a concert, the opera, in a hip club or a sophisticated bar. Superb exhibitions and a dazzling array of events, concerts, operas, operettas and the hit musicals "Mary Poppins" and "Mozart!" promise a New Year's Eve program brimming with excitement throughout the day and night.

October 26, 2015

Visit Vienna's 11 Most Traditional Christmas Markets

From mid-November to Christmas, Vienna’s prettiest squares transform into magical Christmas markets. The aroma of Christmas bakery items and hot punch creates a pre-Christmas atmosphere. At the traditional Vienna Magic of Advent, the Rathausplatz becomes a shining fairytale land. The 150 or so sales booths at the Christmas market offer Christmas gifts, Christmas tree decorations, sweets and warming drinks.

October 26, 2015

Viennale: Austria’s Most Popular Film Festival

Austria’s biggest film festival once again offers film highlights from around the world from 22 October to 5 November. This year, the major retrospective deals with animals in film. Films to be screened include the classic "The Birds" with Tippi Hedren, who will be coming to the Viennale as special guest.

October 2, 2015

Vienna Jazz Floor - 100 Concerts in a Single Month

Jazz and blues thrive brilliantly in the world's capital city of music and there are so many small clubs with exquisite acts. Once a year, the scene celebrates the "Vienna Jazzfloor" festival, to which it invites internationally renowned jazz players to perform in nine of the city's clubs, including Jazzland, Davis, and Miles Smiles.

September 29, 2015

Premiere of "Mozart - The Musical"

Mozart was a rock star during the Rococo period. The musical of the same name, written by the successful duo Michael Kunze and Sylvester Levay, examines the world-famous musician and historical figure, who was also a legend of classical music. Tonight we will see the premiere of the globally successful musical Mozart. Amongst the stars of the show on stage at the Raimund Theater Vienna: Oedo Kuipers, Thomas Borchert and Barbara Obermeier.

September 24, 2015

Fifth Wiener Wiesn Festival Opens It’s Tents Today

On the Kaiserwiese in the Prater the Wiener Wiesn Festival opens it’s tents today for the fifth time. Austrian beer, local food, all sorts of music and traditional outfits ensure a great atmosphere.

September 7, 2015 · Updated: September 24, 2015; 11:00

Vienna as a Congress City Takes Second Place Worldwide

Austria's capital city, Vienna, has once again confirmed its standing as one of the world's most popular congress cities in 2014. In the 2014 ranking of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Vienna took second place with 202 international congresses, thereby climbing one place against 2013. Paris (with 214) was at the top of the ranking.

September 11, 2015

Austrian Airlines Returns to Shanghai

The return to Shanghai highlights the continued importance of the Chinese market to Austrian Airlines and the high value attached to its outbound market in particular. Austrian Airlines had already included Shanghai in its flight schedule starting on April 28, 2004. However, flight service was terminated in January 2007 as part of the redimensioning of the airline’s long-haul fleet and the related decommissioning of all its Airbus A330 and A340 long-haul aircraft.

September 10, 2015

It’s all about Fashion during Vienna's Fashion Week

Until September 13th it’s all about fashion in Vienna’s Museums-Quartier. About 70 designers show their collections: at fashion shows and in the adjacent sales area in Quartier21, which invites visitors to go shopping. This year marks the seventh edition of the MQ Vienna Fashion Week. Last year, over 10,000 visitors came to the fashion event.

September 8, 2015

How to Combat Human Trafficking Discussed in Vienna

Combating human trafficking along migration routes will be in focus at a high-level conference on 6-7 July in Vienna. The conference will draw attention to the impact of state migration policies on trafficking in human beings, the increasing risk of being trafficked during times of crisis, and the special vulnerability of unaccompanied minors on the move.

June 29, 2015

Rembrandt, Titian and Bellotto in Prince Eugene's Winter Palace in Vienna

The winter palace is showing around 100 important works of grand masters from the Dresden Picture Gallery.

June 26, 2015

Vienna and Triest - Through History Connected

A recent visit by Triest's Mayor Roberto Cosolini highlights that Vienna and Trieste were connected in the Austro-Hungarian monarchy for more than 500 years. Especially in the 18th and 19th century the port of Trieste flourished and because of its location became one of the most developed economic areas of the Habsburg Empire. It was the most important port of one of the Great Powers of Europe. As a prosperous seaport in the Mediterranean region, Trieste became the fourth largest city of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (after Vienna, Budapest, and Prague).

June 25, 2015

Lower Belvedere Exhibition: Klimt and the Ringstrasse

The "Klimt and the Ringstrasse" exhibition in at the Lower Belvedere is dedicated to those charismatic painters of the Ringstrasse who exercised a profound influence on their time, namely to the work of Hans Markart, Gustav Klimt and their associates who were the greatest artists of the Ringstrasse era.

June 24, 2015

International Day of Yoga Celebrations in Vienna

The United Nations General Assembly last year declared 21st June as the International Day of Yoga. The resolution adopted by the General Assembly invites everyone to observe that day as the International Day of Yoga. Hence, the International Day of Yoga celebrations in Vienna took place at Votiv Park, in the heart of Vienna, where people participated in good numbers to perform the exercises as per the common yoga protocol.

June 21, 2015

Spanish Riding School of Vienna Celebrates its 450th Anniversary

The Spanish Riding School of Vienna, Austria, is a traditional riding school for Lipizzan horses, which perform in the Winter Riding School in the Hofburg. This year the school is celebrating the 450th anniversary of its first written mention with gala performances on Heldenplatz.

June 2, 2015

Vienna Biennale 2015: Ideas for Change

Between June 11 and October 4, 2015 the Austrian capital will host its first ever interdisciplinary Biennale: this year’s edition aims to bring together art, design and architecture, and harness the power of creative ideas and artistic projects in its search for positive change.

June 1, 2015

Tolerance and Equality: Vienna Pride and Rainbow Parade

The 20th Rainbow Parade on Vienna’s Ringstrasse (20.6.) and the Vienna Pride (16.-21.6.) with the Pride Village on City Hall Square will set a sign for tolerance and equality.

May 29, 2015

Vienna's Glittering Summer Balls: The Concordia Ball and the Fête Impériale

Two glittering summer balls will be celebrated in Vienna: The Concordia Ball (19.6.) in Vienna City Hall and the Fête Impériale (26.6.) in the Spanish Imperial Riding School. The Concordia Ball has been one of Vienna's most sparkling and exclusive events for over 150 years. The Fête Impériale is famous for its opulent and imaginative decorations, and is held once again this year under the motto "Red-White-Red".

May 28, 2015

Analysis: The Eurovision Song Contest 2015 in Vienna

The Eurovision Song Contest 2015 has been the 60th edition of the annual Eurovision Song Contest musical event. The contest took place in Vienna and followed Conchita Wurst's victory in the 2014 edition with her song "Rise Like a Phoenix". The song "Heroes" by Måns Zelmerlöw took the winning spot in the 60th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna with 365 points. The 2016 Eurovision Song Contest will therefore be held in Sweden.

May 16, 2015 · Updated: May 28, 2015; 08:00

The Eurovision Song Contest Village: "Let's Meet at Rathausplatz"

In the week leading up to the ESC finals in Vienna, Rathausplatz – the square in front of Vienna City Hall – will be turned into the Eurovision Village from 18 to 23 May 2015. It will be THE place to be for everyone interested in the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2015. The programme starts on 18 May with the opening event featuring an international fashion show, and will continue with themed days, live performances by ESC contestants, a colourful family programme. On 23 May, the ESC finals will be broadcast live from Stadthalle and shown on Rathausplatz. For one week, the framework event under the motto "Hello Vienna. Welcome Europe!" will highlight the very best of the Eurovision nations, including culinary delights from different countries.

May 15, 2015

Germanwings Flight 9525: Captain Tried to Break into Cockpit with Axe, Co-Pilot Hid Illness

The latest reports prove that German Wings captain Patrick Sondenheimer tried to break into locked cockpit door 'with an axe' as plane was descending. German police have been searching the home of co-pilot Andreas Lubitz and his parents. They found a ripped-up sick note showing that he tried to hide his illness from employer German Wings.

March 27, 2015

Analysis: Crash of Germanwings Flight 9525 - Investigation and Latest Responses

Yesterday Germanwings Flight 9525 from Barcelona to Düsseldorf, an Airbus A320-200, crashed around 100 kilometres (62 mi) northwest of Nice, in the French Alps. All 144 passengers and six crew members died. People on board by nationality were: Germany 67, Spain 45, Kazakhstan 3, Mexico 3, Argentina 2, Australia 2, Colombia 2, Croatia 2, Japan 2, Morocco 2, Belgium 1, Denmark 1, Israel 1, Netherlands 1, Turkey 1, United Kingdom Several (unconfirmed), and unknown 15. The aircraft had reached its cruising altitude, flight level 380 (approx. 38,000 ft [12,000 m]) at 9:27 GMT. Three minutes later the aircraft began its descent - the purpose of the descent is not currently known. 14 minutes after the initial descent, radar contact with the aircraft was lost. Meanwhile the first cockpit voice recorder was recovered by rescue workers and is being examined by the investigation team. The recorder was damaged in the crash, but was said to be still in a "usable" condition. The search for the flight data recorder was to be a priority when the recovery operation resumed. It is the third-deadliest crash of an Airbus A320, after TAM Airlines Flight 3054 and Indonesia AirAsia Flight 8501, and the third-deadliest aviation disaster on French soil, after Turkish Airlines Flight 981 and Inex-Adria Aviopromet Flight 1308. Unusually, the plane appears not to have deviated from its flight plan during its descent.

March 25, 2015 · Updated: March 26, 2015; 14:30

German Wings Crash: No Austrians or Transit Passengers to Vienna Were Aboard

It is believed that no Austrians or direct transit passengers to Vienna were aboard the crashed Germanwings plane. "None of the passengers from Düsseldorf held connecting flights to Vienna, so we believe this tragedy has not affected any Austrians. However, we do not as yet have a passenger list of those who were on the flight," Lufthansa said.

March 24, 2015 · Updated: March 26, 2015; 10:45

German Airliner with 150 People Crashes in Southern France

An Airbus A320 airliner of German low-cost airline Germanwings crashed in the French Alps near Digne carrying 144 passengers and six crew members. "All 150 feared dead" says Fancois Hollande. It is unclear whether Austrian passengers were on board.

March 24, 2015 · Updated: March 24, 2015; 14:45

Vienna Celebrates 150 Years of the Ringstrasse

Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph officially opened Vienna's Ringstrasse on May 1, 1865. The boulevard, which is 5.3 kilometers long and 56 meters wide, was an elegant promenade for the upper classes. This year Vienna is celebrating its 150th birthday with numerous events and exhibitions. The "most beautiful boulevard in the world" not only has a wealth of sights, it also has large parks and important monuments.

March 6, 2015

Vienna to Have Two Million Inhabitants in 2029

Vienna is already the city with the second largest population in the German-speaking countries. But Vienna is growing faster than ever. This development entails a tremendous challenge for Vienna. Based on the figures now available, investments totalling seven billion euros will have to be made by the year 2020 in the areas of child care, public transport, other infrastructure facilities and health services alone.

February 20, 2015

Swarovski Crystal Worlds to Reopen End of April

Swarovski Kristallwelten will reopen on April 30, 2015. A total volume of 34 million Euros has been invested. The space will be more than doubled to 7.5 hectares. In addition to the all-encompassing renovations in the garden all around the iconic Giant, five Chambers of Wonder are being redesigned entirely from scratch.

February 20, 2015

Vienna as a Business Location - The City at a Glance

Vienna combines tradition, culture and quality of life with the factors of a top business location in a unique way. A stable political and economic environment, a research and technology-friendly climate, geographical and cultural proximity to the growth markets in the east and, not least, the highest quality of life in the world provide for a place at the very top of the world’s rankings.

January 27, 2015

Vienna as a Business Location - Areas of Strength

Vienna combines tradition, culture and quality of life with the factors of a top business location in a unique way. A stable political and economic environment, a research and technology-friendly climate, geographical and cultural proximity to the growth markets in the east and, not least, the highest quality of life in the world provide for a place at the very top of the world’s rankings.

January 22, 2015

10 Reasons Why You Should Invest In Vienna

In this post you'll find the top 10 reasons why your company or institution should consider investing in Vienna/Austria. In fact, we'll share the international studies which confirm the numbers and facts including its closest competitors. We look at the quality of living, the smart cities index, the prosperity, international congresses and conventions, the most reputable cities, the innovation cities index, online cities, business friendliness and other factors that influence the decision making.

January 20, 2015

Vienna Among Top 10 Cities to Visit in 2015

One of the world’s best known publishers of independent travel and language guides, Lonely Planet, has ranked Vienna as one of the top 10 cities “not to be missed” by travellers in 2015. According to Lonely Planet, there is no better time to visit Austria than next year during the Eurovision Song Contest 2015, which takes place in Vienna. The list also includes destinations like Washington, Milan, Chennai or Toronto.

October 24, 2014

Eurovision Song Contest 2015: The Winner is Vienna

"As an internationally-minded city, Vienna is the best venue for this event, and will prove its cosmopolitan nature to the international public. Most importantly, we want the Song Contest on 23 May 2015 to be a cause for celebration for everyone in Vienna - locals and guests alike." says Mayor Michael Häupl.

August 6, 2014

Cost of Living Rankings: CEE Capitals Cheaper, Vienna is 32nd Most Expensive City

The Mercer's 2014 Cost of Living Rankings have been published and cover 211 cities across five continents. While Western European cities have all risen in the rankings mainly due to the strengthening of the Euro against the US dollar, most cities in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), however have fallen in the ranking as a result of local currencies depreciating against the US dollar. Bratislava (#84), Prague (#92), Kiev (#98), Ljubljana (#116), Zagreb (#120), Budapest (#135), Warsaw (#142), Belgrade (#184).

July 25, 2014