Zehetner says The strongest winter season in history is a tailwind and a mandate for Austrian tourism

Austrian tourism is looking back on its strongest winter season ever. With 74.23 million overnight stays and 21.33 million guests, new record highs were reached, according to preliminary figures from Statistics Austria. Compared to the previous year, this represents an increase of 2.5 percent in overnight stays and 3.4 percent in arrivals. For State Secretary for Tourism Elisabeth Zehetner, the figures are far more than just a positive statistic: “74 million overnight stays don't just mean full hotels. Behind them are jobs, family businesses, regional economic activity, and countless people who ensure every day that Austria stands for quality, hospitality, and reliability worldwide. Especially in economically challenging times, it becomes clear how important tourism is for our country.”

It is particularly encouraging that demand has increased both from abroad and within Austria. Germany remains the most important source market with 26.5 million overnight stays. At the same time, the growth in Vienna, with an increase of 6.1 percent, demonstrates how strongly Austria has now positioned itself as a year-round destination. "Austria is much more than just a ski holiday. Our success stems from the convergence of nature, cuisine, culture, activities, safety, and lifestyle. This is precisely where our international strength lies," said Zehetner.

Record numbers must not become the norm.

Zehetner also warns against mistaking record figures for something that can be taken for granted. Tourism continues to face major challenges. High costs, the need for skilled workers, international competition, and questions of acceptance in the regions all require active attention. "Success in tourism doesn't happen by itself. It's created by entrepreneurs, employees, and regions that embody the spirit of hospitality every day. Our task is to establish the right framework so that this strength continues to thrive in the future."

Summer as a great opportunity for the regions

The previously presented summer potential analysis also provides momentum for the coming months. It shows a stable appetite for travel in the most important European markets and makes it clear that Austria has enormous opportunities in the summer as well. "The summer potential analysis clearly shows that Austria is in high demand in the summer. Hiking, cycling, lakes, culinary experiences, culture, and nature experiences are no longer niche markets, but rather key areas for the future of our tourism. This is precisely where the opportunity lies to bring added value more broadly throughout the year and more strongly into the regions."

Vision T as the next strategic step in June

Zehetner will soon present the new national tourism strategy, "Vision T." It aims to outline the future of Austrian tourism and establish the strategic framework for the coming years. "The strongest winter season in history is not the end point. It is both a tailwind and a mandate. With Vision T, we want to further develop Austria as a tourism destination in a competitive, sustainable, high-quality way, offering a high quality of life for the people who live and work in our tourism regions. Because successful tourism must bring joy to guests and empower the regions."

Austria has all the prerequisites to remain one of Europe's leading tourism destinations in the future, Zehetner concluded. "Our goal is clear: Austria should remain the number one tourist destination. Not through quantity at any price, but through quality, innovation, strong businesses, and an offering that touches people."