Vienna: Overnight stays back at billion euro level

“For the second time ever, Viennese hotels will generate more than a billion euros in sales this year. December is going well, we are on track for records,” said Markus Grießler, chairman of the tourism and leisure sector at the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, about this year’s tourism results. He assumes that the record value from 2019 will even be exceeded: “If December develops the way it currently looks, we will set a new record.” So far, the sales record from 2019 is 1,02 billion euros.

Up to and including September, Vienna's accommodation providers had already generated more than 850 million euros in sales this year, so the billion mark is within reach. Grießler: “If the last three months go like they did last year, then we will set a new record. And it looks very much like it.” The booking situation for the Viennese hotel industry is also very good for the last two and a half weeks of the year, the Christmas markets and the Advent atmosphere attract tourists from near and far. Traditionally, more guests come from Europe in winter than in summer, when Vienna is the desired destination for tourists from overseas.

Offers on Sunday are not enough

“But what we see, especially with winter guests, who often only come for a weekend, is that the offers on Sundays are not enough. The attractions and restaurants are open, but the shopping tour through the city, which is supposed to be the culmination of a weekend for many guests, is canceled because the shops are closed," said Grießler: "The tourism zones that we have been calling for for so long which retailers are allowed to open on Sundays, are urgently needed – and desired by guests. Because they are used to being able to shop on Sundays in other tourist metropolises,” concludes Grießler.