A recent survey by the market and opinion research institute Integral, commissioned by DenizBank AG, paints a detailed picture of how holiday pay will be used in 2026.
Despite economic uncertainties, Austrians' willingness to travel remains constant: around 53 percent of those surveyed stated they would use the bonus payment for vacations and leisure. On average, 38 percent of the additional amount received goes directly toward tourist activities. These figures illustrate that, despite rising living costs, the desire to travel continues to hold a high priority in household budgets.
At the same time, the study reveals a widening social divide within the population. For approximately 41 percent of Austrians, holiday pay now represents a necessary supplement to cover ongoing fixed costs. The situation is particularly precarious for those in difficult financial circumstances: In this group, 84 percent view the bonus payment as a lifeline. The proportion of those who absolutely must use the money for daily necessities rose significantly within a year in this segment, from 30 to 40 percent. While high-income households with a net income of over €4.500 can use the amount almost entirely for leisure activities, for those with lower incomes it increasingly serves to pay off debts and outstanding bills.
A striking counter-trend is evident in the saving and investment behavior of the younger generation. Almost a quarter of those under 30 use their vacation pay specifically for long-term wealth accumulation through investments in stocks or funds. This figure is significantly higher than the overall average of 11 percent. In general, the need for security has increased among the population: 36 percent of people save a portion of their bonus, representing a three percent increase compared to the previous year. Vacation pay thus serves as a tool for a considerable segment of society to increase their financial resilience against unexpected expenses.
Economic experts point out that the importance of such special payments increases in times of high inflation and stagnant real wages. Only 46 percent of Austrians currently rate their own financial situation as good, marking a decline compared to the previous year. The special payment is therefore perceived less as a luxury item and more as a psychological and economic buffer. While some invest in wealth accumulation or travel, for a growing segment of the population, the holiday pay simply ensures the coverage of basic needs and thus temporarily stabilizes household budgets.