Since midnight, simpler entry requirements have been in effect in Austria. Coming from many countries, there is no quarantine for those who have been vaccinated, those who have recovered or who have been tested. For the Chamber of Commerce, however, the easing does not go far enough. This criticizes the government.

“Proof of vaccination, testing or recovery is a prerequisite for any type of entry. Children from the age of 10 must be tested, including the immunity status of the parents or the guardians. Nevertheless, the new regulation - contrary to the expectations and the original outline of the ministry - also contains some difficulties for the Austrian travel agency and hotel industry ”, the WKÖ said in a broadcast.

“It is of course gratifying that it is now much easier to travel to many EU countries and that guests can come to us vice versa. On the other hand, it is disappointing and difficult that very important countries of origin, such as the USA, Great Britain or the United Arab Emirates, are completely prohibited from entering, ”comment Gregor Kadanka, chairman of the travel agency association, and Susanne Kraus-Winkler, chairwoman of the hotel industry association in the Austrian Chamber of Commerce (WKÖ), the current regulation.

"It is a shame that the freedom to travel in Europe has not been completely restored," says Kadanka. If you have recovered, vaccinated or tested, you can enter from most European countries, but this only applies to a limited extent for countries on a different list, such as the important holiday destination Croatia. That is incomprehensible. "

Kraus-Winkler emphasizes: “Even guests from markets of origin that are important for Austria, such as the Netherlands or Sweden, have to go into quarantine despite tests when entering the country. This can be ended from day 5 after entry with a new negative test result, but: Which tourist accepts such a quarantine on vacation? "

City and congress tourism needs guests from all over the world

Kadanka and Kraus-Winkler in unison: “Viewed across Austria, the European market is certainly the most important at the moment. For city and congress tourism, however, it is of the utmost importance that main source markets such as the United Arab Emirates, Russia, USA or UK - with a high vaccination rate and low incidence figures - are also allowed to enter the country if the 3-G rule is met. Because a functioning and flourishing city tourism guarantees jobs, added value and innovation in tourism all year round. "

Kraus-Winkler: Validity of large-scale vaccines necessary when entering Austria

The hotel industry spokeswoman also sees the problem that people who are not vaccinated with “non-EMA vaccines” are not given any relief when entering Austria and access restrictions: “I am thinking of all Hungarian, Russian or guests here the Asian region, which were vaccinated with SputnikV, for example. We have an urgent need for action here. "

“Numerous European destinations have eased entry for tourists. We are now hoping for a rapid expansion and liberalization in order to be able to be at the forefront in the increasingly tough international competition and the touristic catch-up race that has already started ”, conclude Kadanka and Kraus-Winkler.