Vienna's tourism industry recorded impressive growth figures in the first half of 2025, confirming its role as a stable pillar of the city's economy. Between January and May, Vienna's accommodation providers generated overnight revenue of almost half a billion euros, or more precisely, EUR 499,53 million, generated.
This represents a remarkable increase of 12% compared to the same period last year and significantly exceeds the growth in overnight stays. 8,8 million overnight stays In the first half of 2025, Vienna's visitor economy demonstrated its appeal as an international year-round destination, with an increase of 7% year-on-year. This development not only strengthens core tourism sectors but also has positive effects on retail, gastronomy, and other economic sectors.
Overnight stays and source markets: stability and growth
The first half of 2025 shows a solid development in overnight stays for Vienna. Overall, the city 8.832.000 overnight stays, representing an increase of 7% compared to the same period last year. June contributed 1.674.000 overnight stays to this overall result, underscoring Vienna's continued popularity during the summer months.
The composition of Vienna's source markets in the first half of 2025 is differentiated:
Austria continues to lead the list of the markets with the highest number of overnight stays, with 1.628.000 overnight stays, although this represents a slight decline of 2% compared to the previous year. Germany follows closely behind with 1.605.000 overnight stays, although this market maintained a stability of +/-0%.
The most notable trend is the reintroduction and strengthening of the US market. With 519.000 overnight stays (+10%) The United States has re-established itself in third place among Vienna's top 10 source markets, making it the most important long-distance market. This is an indicator of the renewed enthusiasm of American tourists to travel to Europe and Vienna's successful positioning in this high-spending segment.
The remaining places in the top 10 are taken by Italy (467.000, +7%), Great Britain (340.000, +/-0%), Spain (261.000, +13%), France (242.000, +/-0%), Poland (216.000, +2%), the Switzerland (192.000, -4%) and Ukraine (171.000, +40%) The strong increase from Ukraine is particularly noteworthy given the geopolitical situation and could indicate a shift in travel behavior or special circumstances. The Spanish market is also showing strong growth, indicating Vienna's attractiveness for southern European visitors.
The high number of overnight stays from abroad, which account for approximately 82% of total overnight stays, is clear evidence of Vienna's international appeal. Norbert Kettner, Managing Director of the Vienna Tourist Board, emphasizes: "Our consistent focus on quality tourism, the targeted approach to a culturally interested and affluent audience, and Vienna's strong positioning as an international meeting destination have proven successful." This strategy aims to optimize not only the quantity but also the quality of visitor flows in order to achieve greater added value.
Overnight turnover: Significantly stronger growth than overnight stays
A particularly pleasing result is the significant growth in overnight revenue. Between January and May 2025, the net overnight revenue of Viennese accommodation establishments amounted to EUR 499.539.000This represents an increase of 12% compared to the same period last year. By comparison, in the same five-month period, overnight stays grew by only 8% to 7,2 million.
The discrepancy between the growth in overnight stays and the even stronger growth in revenue indicates that Viennese hotels have been successful in enforcing price cuts. This could be due to various reasons, such as increased demand in higher-priced segments, a reduction in discounts, or a general increase in average room rates. In May alone, the net overnight revenue of accommodation establishments amounted to EUR 140.697.000, an increase of 11% compared to the same month in 2024.
This "disproportionate" revenue growth is a clear sign of the health and profitability of Vienna's tourism industry. It demonstrates that Vienna is capable of generating higher revenues per guest, which is of great importance for the city's entire value chain.
Occupancy and bed availability: A detailed analysis
The average occupancy rate of hotel rooms in Vienna in June 2025 was around 72%, representing a slight decrease from 75% in June 2024. Bed occupancy was similar, at 2025% in June 55,5 (June 2024: 57,4%). For the entire period from January to June, room occupancy was around 64% (January to June 2024: around 65%), and bed occupancy was 49,1% (January to June 2024: 49,7%).
Although occupancy rates are declining slightly, this should be seen in the context of a significant increase in the number of beds available. In June 2025, around 81.800 hotel beds Around 4.800 beds (+6,3%) more were offered than in June 2024. This indicates that the Viennese hotel industry continues to invest in expanding its capacity to meet growing demand. A slightly lower occupancy rate combined with higher supply and significantly increased revenue is a positive economic sign, as it indicates higher price enforcement per available unit.
Vienna's hotel landscape is known for its diversity, from luxury hotels to boutique hotels and budget accommodations. Investments in new hotels and the expansion of existing establishments are a clear signal of confidence in the Viennese tourism market.
Vienna’s “Visitor Economy” as a future industry
Barbara Novak, City Councillor for Finance, Economy, Labor, International Affairs, and Digital Affairs, emphasizes the importance of Vienna's visitor economy: "Vienna's visitor economy will continue its previous year's trend in the first half of 2025. It creates location-specific year-round jobs and, through spillover effects, strengthens not only core tourism sectors such as hotels and restaurants, but also retail, manufacturing, and the leisure industry." These spillover effects, i.e., the positive impact of tourism on other economic sectors, are an essential component of value creation in a city like Vienna. The thriving tourism industry stimulates retail, generates revenue in the hospitality industry, creates demand for local producers and service providers, and promotes the entire leisure infrastructure.
Novak emphasizes the role of tourism as a "functioning and reliable industry of the future" in times of global geopolitical challenges and economically challenging conditions. This is an important aspect, as tourism is considered a comparatively resilient industry that secures jobs and generates income even in uncertain times. Recent surveys also confirm a high level of acceptance of city tourism among the Viennese population, which is of great importance for the sustainable development of the sector. Broad public acceptance is crucial to maintaining a balance between tourism development and the quality of life of residents.
Vienna as a successful year-round destination
The figures for the first half of 2025 impressively demonstrate Vienna's successful positioning as an international year-round destination. The combination of strong growth in overnight stays, a high number of international guests, and targeted targeting of affluent markets has proven to be an effective strategy. Investments in the capacity of accommodation providers demonstrate confidence in the continued positive development.
Vienna's attractiveness, underpinned by cultural offerings, international conference business, and a high quality of life, continues to attract visitors from all over the world and solidifies the visitor economy as an indispensable driver of the city's economy. The city's ability to generate stability and growth in a dynamic environment underscores its outstanding position in European city tourism.