Ahead of the grand gala at Schönbrunn Palace, the first winners of the new national "Tourism Stars" award were announced at the Vienna 2026 Holiday Fair. In a broad public vote, in which nearly 6.000 people participated, visitors were able to vote for their favorites in the Austrian leisure industry.
The first place went to the restaurant "Luftburg – Kolarik im Prater" from Vienna. The family-run business prevailed against 14 other nominated establishments with 723 votes. According to the organizers, the award recognizes the combination of traditional hospitality with modern quality standards within the Viennese Prater restaurant scene.
The other podium places were taken by establishments from the Austrian federal states: Second place, with 654 votes, went to the "Golden Hill Country Chalets & Suites" in St. Nikolai im Sausal, Styria, a resort that focuses on exclusive wellness experiences in a private atmosphere. Third place was awarded to the "Boho & Wellnesshotel Jufenalm" in Maria Alm with 546 votes. Other nominees included renowned institutions such as the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel, the Spanish Riding School with the Piber Stud Farm, and the luxury Park Hyatt Vienna hotel. The vote underscores the diversity of Austria's offerings, which range from culinary institutions to innovative accommodation concepts.
The award was presented at the Vienna Congress & Convention Center (VIECON) by its initiator, Christian P. Lerner. The ceremony serves as the prelude to the main event on April 27, 2026, where prizes for excellence and innovation will be awarded in a total of 18 categories. Strategic partners such as the Austrian National Tourist Office and prominent companies from the private sector support the initiative to increase the competitiveness and visibility of the industry. Experts consider the new award an important tool for marketing Austria as a business location, as it unites both established companies and new concepts on a national stage.
The Vienna Holiday Fair is considered the most important barometer for the desire to travel in Austria and provided the ideal setting for the public vote. The format aims to promote quality assurance in the sector through direct customer feedback. Following the success of the public award, the industry is now looking ahead to the expert jury's decisions in the spring. By choosing Schönbrunn Palace as the venue for the final in April, the organizers underscore their ambition to establish a prestigious award of international standing for the Austrian economy.