Tourism Industry

Weekly Briefing: 66th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency

The Find out more about this week's developments. Diplomacy is working at full speed and is already preparing exciting glimpses of the fall. The IAEA is holding its 66th General Conference and there are new economic developments in Austria. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.

September 29, 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

Working in Austria: Further Facilitation of the Red-White-Red Card

Applying for a Red-White-Red Card is made easier again! Skilled workers who intend to work in Austria will find it easier to obtain a work permit in the future. Read this article to find out which simplifications have been decided.

September 26, 2022

Greece and Austria Plan Closer Cooperation in Tourism

During a meeting between Vassilis Kikilias, Greece's Tourism Minister, and Susanne Kraus-Winkler, Austria's State Secretary for Tourism, the two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in tourism affairs.

September 13, 2022

Weekly Briefing: New Economic Developments

The Find out more about this week's developments. The war in Ukraine is also making itself increasingly felt in the Austrian economy. In Vienna, there are new developments in the day-to-day business of diplomacy. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.

August 18, 2022

Vienna's Luxury Shops Struggle with the Loss of Russian Tourists

During the past two decades, Russian tourists with purchasing power have enriched the city centre's luxury shops, but since the invasion of Russian troops in Ukraine, hardly anyone visits the Austrian capital. According to the latest statistics, fewer than one percent of tourists staying overnight in Vienna are Russians. Due to the loss of purchasing power, the tourism industry in Vienna suffers greatly.

August 15, 2022

Most Popular Congress Cities Worldwide: Vienna in 1st Place Despite COVID-19 Pandemic

As an ideal venue for international congresses and events, Vienna has built a reputation in the past. Now this reputation has been confirmed by the International Congress and Convention Association. The first congress statistics published by Vienna since the Covid-19 outbreak were published in 2021, placing it ahead of Lisbon and Athens as the world's top conference metropolis.

August 5, 2022

Reform of the Red-White-Red Card Passed by Parliament

In order to eliminate the shortage of suitable workers, the Austrian parliament recently decided to change the criteria for the Red-White-Red Card. In future, it should be easier to obtain this card. Austria's economy is relieved. If you want to know the exact changes, read on!

July 11, 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

Vienna Airport Pleased with Rising Passenger Numbers

Vienna Airport can be pleased with a significant increase in visitor numbers in May. Despite continuing lower passenger numbers than in the same month before the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, five times more people flew through Vienna Airport than in May 2019. Read on if you want to learn more about Vienna Schwechat Airport!

June 15, 2022

Poland Soul Travel: Polish Embassy Gives Young Austrians an Insight Into Krakow

The Polish Embassy in Vienna enabled young Austrians to get to know Poland and visit the city of Krakow as part of the Soul Travel project. The focus of the action was to see the sights of Poland from new perspectives and to show the people of Poland the beauty of nature - off the normal tourist paths.

May 24, 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

New "United Cities of Tourism" Campaign Aims to Strengthen City Tourism Across Europe

With a new campaign, the city tourism in Europe, which has suffered extremely by the Covid-19 pandemic, should be stimulated again. Several destinations across Europe will participate and the goal is to support each other in strengthening tourism. Read on if you want to know more about this interesting campaign.

May 4, 2022

Uncertainty due to Ukraine War: Austria's Tourism Industry Lowers High Expectations for 2022

Austria's tourism industry is facing another setback after 2 tough years. Uncertainty caused by the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine and the related increase in economic problems could have an impact on tourism and thus also on the economy in Austria.

April 7, 2022

These Are the 10 Finest Hotels in Austria

After two lean years, Austrian tourism is looking forward to the new season. More hotel guests are expected again, and this is urgently needed. We present you the 10 best hotels in Austria. One of them, belonged to the controversial Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska. Read on if you want to know which one and where to book your upcoming luxory vacation.

April 6, 2022

Explore Spring in Charming Bratislava after the Pandemic with the Twin City Liner

After the Twin City Liner had to stop all trips in autumn due to the Corona pandemic, spring trips to Bratislava can now already be booked from March 2022.

February 17, 2022 · Sponsored Content

Vienna Also Relaxes Corona Measures, But Stays With 2-G Rule in Gastronomy

The city of Vienna has announced that it will relax the current Corona measures largely in line with the nationwide easing. Only one point is to be deviated from.

February 3, 2022

Covid in Austria: Relaxation of Corona Measures

As of February 5, Austria begins cautious steps toward reopening. The current Covid measures will be gradually withdrawn over the course of February. Below is a brief overview of the gradual sequence.

February 1, 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

Covid in Austria: Borders Are Open Again

Since January 24, guests from all countries with 2G+ or boosted can enter Austria - there are then no more virus variant areas. Great Britain, the Netherlands, Denmark and Norway are no longer considered virus variant areas. Tourist travel is possible for vaccinated and recovered persons. Here is an overview of the updated entry regulations.

January 23, 2022

Vienna Airport Hub: Ryanair to Take Further Market Share from Competitor Austrian Airlines

Ryanair continues to cut into the market share of Austrian Airlines at Vienna International Airport. Read about the growth of this discount airline and how it is competing with Austrian Airlines in its home country.

January 20, 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

Omicron Has Led to Quasi-Ban on Entry of Britons, Norwegians, Danes and Dutch into Austria

Due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 throughout Austria, entry rules to Austria have been tightened. With Great Britain, Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands, four important countries of origin of tourists have been declared virus variant areas. Read about the restrictions.

December 21, 2021 · Updated: December 23, 2021; 19:35

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

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

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

Air Travel to Austria: How Does Entry Work During the Fourth Lockdown?

The current lockdown in Austria due to COVID-19 has yet again complicated entry regulations for travelers. Inform yourself of the latest entry requirements for air travelers arriving in Austria and testing options at Vienna International Airport.

November 25, 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

Emirate of Qatar and Vienna to Cooperate in Cultural and Tourism Sectors

Vienna City Councilor Peter Hanke and Vienna Chamber of Commerce President Walter Ruck met with various government officials in Qatar to discuss further cooperation between Vienna and Qatar in the cultural and tourism sectors. Read about the visit and what, specifically, was discussed.

November 17, 2021

Nightjet: Connecting the City of Music with the City of Love

Austrian Railways (ÖBB) is offering a new Nightjet connection from Vienna to Paris from December 13, 2021. Learn more about this new offer.

November 16, 2021

Austrian Airlines on the Way Back to Pre-Crisis Levels

The Lufthansa subsidiary and self-declared "premium carrier" is gearing up against competition from so-called low-cost airlines.

November 11, 2021

Travel: Vaccinated Austrians Allowed to Enter the U.S. Again

Fully vaccinated foreign nationals, including Austrians, are now allowed to enter the United States again without requiring a "national interest exemption." Read about the latest update to US entry requirements and find out who qualifies for an exception.

November 9, 2021

Travel: Airlines Bring Foreign Nationals to the U.S. Again

After more than one and a half years, the US has ended the entry ban for travelers from the European Union on Monday, 8 November. This also allows for Austrians to finally fly to the United States again.

November 9, 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

Südbahnhotel am Semmering: Former Grand Hotel Has New Owner

The former luxury hotel an hour's drive south of Vienna, which has been little used for decades, has been bought by the foundation of a Viennese entrepreneur and is to be revitalized. The focus is to be on cultural events. However, it will take years for the hotel to be fully developed.

November 5, 2021

Austrian Airlines Introduces Biometric Recognition System for Contactless Boarding

Starting November 9, AUA Austrian Airlines plans to test a facial recognition system for fast and contactless boarding in Vienna that has already been tested by Lufthansa.

November 5, 2021

Tourists Return to Vienna

Vienna saw a notable increase in overnight stays in September compared to September of last year. This is a positive sign for the tourism industry in Austria, which has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Read about the changes in tourism levels in the Austrian capital.

October 28, 2021

ÖBB Austrian Railways to Improve and Expand Local and Long-Distance Travel Services in 2022

Starting on December 12, 2021, ÖBB - Austrian Federal Railways will change its annual timetable, which will bring a number of improvements and expansions to local and long-distance services for the rail year 2022. In total, ÖBB Austrian Railways is investing over 4.1 billion euros in modern trains by 2027. Find out about international and domestic connection extensions.

October 26, 2021

UPDATE: Current Situation for Arriving and Departing Passengers at Vienna International Airport

Flight operations at VIA Vienna International Airport (Flughafen Wien) are still restricted. The most important changes and information for arriving and departing passengers at Flughafen Wien are available below.

October 14, 2021

Travel from Austria to the U.S. - Biden's New Policy Will End the Need for National Interest Exceptions

As announced by Biden and the White House around the UN General Assembly, as of early November it will again be possible for all adult foreign nationals, i.e. including Austrians and other foreign nationals entering the U.S. via Vienna, to enter the U.S., thus also eliminating the need for national interest exemptions (NIE). More details in the article.

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

"Made in Austria": Ambassadors to Serve as Export Promoters

The Austrian government is calling on its diplomats around the world to promote Austria's export and tourism industries abroad to help the economy recover from the COVID-19 crisis. At the opening event of "ReFocus Austria", Chancellor Kurz, Foreign Minister Schallenberg, and Vice-President of the Federal Chamber of Commerce (WKÖ) Martha Schultz laid out the government's plan. Read about "ReFocus Austria," what these officials said about it, and watch the video of the opening event.

September 10, 2021

Greater Flexibility: Austrian Airlines Improves Booking Platform

Austrian Airlines (AUA) has improved its booking platform to provide more flexibility when booking. The platform now allows customers to book flights from the entire route network of Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa and SWISS. This new booking platform provides multiple new benefits to customers, including a broader selection of destinations, free 48-hour booking reservations, and more. Read about all the advantages the new platform has to offer.

August 31, 2021

Vienna Danube Tower: Dining Pleasure at a Height of 170 Meters

The Vienna Danube Tower (Wiener Donauturm) offers various packages for enjoying a panoramic view of Vienna at 170 meters high. The tower cafe and tower restaurant offer three-course menus, romantic dinners, brunch buffets, birthday parties, and more. Read more about the various dining options at the top of the Danube Tower.

August 24, 2021 · Sponsored Content

Vienna's New International Long-Distance Bus Terminal

Construction on Vienna’s new international long-distance bus terminal funded by Donau Busterminal Realisierungs GmbH and designed by Burtscher-Durig is set to begin by the end of 2022, and the terminal is expected to be operational by 2024 or 2025. Read more about the estimated project costs of 200 million euros and some of the advantages it presents to international travelers.

August 18, 2021

These Are Austria's Most Popular Lakes

Lake Constance is the most popular Austrian swimming lake on Instagram. Lake Wörthersee came in second, while Tyrol's Achensee, the newcomer to the podium, came in third. Read which other Austrian public bathing lakes took the 4th to 20th places.

August 18, 2021

Austrian Airlines: Tourist Destinations in the Mediterranean Region Pilot Airline in the Right Direction

With a focus on destinations in the Mediterranean region, Austrian Airlines’ summer flight schedule gave the company an important upward boost. Also, AUA’s flights from the US destinations New York, Washington and Chicago to Vienna were well booked. But what will become of the coming fall/winter season?

August 6, 2021

Vienna International Airport: Current Situation for Arriving and Departing Passengers

Before traveling through Vienna International Airport, it is important to be up to date on the current regulations regarding COVID-19. Read about entry requirements, PCR testing at the airport, and more.

July 30, 2021
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