The Viennese coach industry is currently enjoying increasing demand. The Vienna Chamber of Commerce attributes this, among other things, to rising temperatures and the desire to discover something new. After a long dry spell, there is again a positive booking trend.
Wilhelm Böhm, head of the specialist group for bus, aviation and shipping companies in the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, explains: “The bus industry was severely affected by the Covid restrictions. With the easing and the beginning of spring, however, bookings are also increasing again. We are at a good 70 percent of the pre-crisis level. Most bookings are from domestic groups such as seniors, schools or companies.”
Especially trips to the south to Slovenia, Croatia or Italy are popular. But the west of Vienna, from the Wachau to Germany to France, is also in great demand. In the incoming sector, i.e. especially with overseas tourists and congresses, there should still be a lot of room for improvement. “At the moment, European guests are predominant on sightseeing tours. Tourists from the important markets USA and Asia are still missing. The same applies to the lack of congress tourism, which we are still feeling. But with growing city tourism, we expect improvements here as well,” says Böhm.
The Vienna Chamber of Commerce is demanding relief for bus operators in view of the high diesel costs. Normally, they would spend around 20 percent of the total cost on fuel. "Now it's 30 percent. We are still waiting for relief that will actually reach the industry, such as a reduction in mineral oil tax. Then we can keep our original calculations,” explains Böhm.