With today's opening steps and the less strict entry options for guests from many important countries of origin, which have been in effect since the previous week, bookings for the Viennese hotels are now increasing strongly. The room occupancy rate for July rose from 18 percent to 27 percent within a week.

"It's starting again," says a delighted Dominic Schmid, head of the hotel industry in Vienna. The figures for August also give cause for - cautious - joy. Since the previous week, guests from countries such as the USA, Japan and Saudi Arabia have been allowed to return to Austria. This has positive effects on the Viennese hotel industry, the first reservations from these countries have already arrived in the hotels. Schmid: “We are noticing that the motor of city tourism is starting up again. Still a little stuttering, but much more rounded than it was a few weeks ago ”.

For July, he now expects a hotel occupancy rate of around 30 percent in Vienna, and the 40 percent mark should be passed in August. The prospects for September and the following months are also positive, says Schmid: “It is very pleasing that there is good demand for business trips and seminars in autumn. Here, too, a touch of normality slowly returns ”.