The current ÖHV holiday radar, a representative survey by the Austrian Hotel Association in cooperation with the market research institute Reppublika, predicts a significant upswing in tourism for the upcoming Pentecost holiday.
Of the more than 1.000 people surveyed, 30 percent stated that they had a firm holiday plan, while another 19 percent were considering a last-minute decision. This means that general interest in taking a break over the holidays is higher than last year. At the same time, the percentage of those who definitely intend to stay home fell from 57 percent last year to 51 percent. Walter Veit, President of the Austrian Hotel Association (ÖHV), sees this development as an opportunity for accommodation providers to reach the still undecided group through quick response times and uncomplicated booking systems.
When choosing destinations, domestic travel remains the preferred option for the Austrian population. Almost two-thirds of travelers plan to spend the Pentecost weekend within Austria, while 36 percent prefer a trip abroad. Within Germany, Styria, Salzburg, Carinthia, and Upper Austria top the popularity rankings. Industry analyses also show that the demand for short trips has grown structurally in recent years, as the combination of public holidays and weekends offers optimal time slots for regional tourism. The hospitality and retail sectors in rural areas, in particular, benefit significantly from this concentration of travel activity into just a few days.
A detailed look at travelers' demographics reveals significant differences between age groups. Those aged 15 to 29 show the highest affinity for travel, with almost 40 percent of them planning a trip over the Pentecost weekend. In contrast, older generations, especially those aged 60 to 69, are more reserved, with a travel rate of only 23 percent. The choice of destination is particularly interesting: while younger Austrians primarily choose domestic destinations, the over-60s are predominantly drawn to international travel. This creates a strategic imperative for the Austrian hotel industry to tailor its offerings more closely to the needs and booking behavior of younger target groups, who increasingly rely on digital channels and transparent pricing.
Additional economic data underscores that while rising costs in the service sector are influencing consumer behavior, the desire for a change of scenery remains a top priority. Experts point out that the current economic situation is prompting many households to opt for several short trips throughout the year instead of one expensive long vacation. This trend toward micro-breaks is boosting hotel occupancy rates outside the traditional summer and winter seasons. To remain competitive in this environment, many businesses are investing in modernized infrastructure and flexible cancellation policies to meet the demand for spontaneity, which is crucial for booking decisions, especially when travel windows are short.