What's Happening?
Austria's tourism sector has reached a new milestone, recording 156 million overnight stays in 2025, surpassing the previous record of 154.3 million in 2024. According to preliminary figures from Statistics Austria, this marks the strongest year for domestic
tourism. The western regions of Austria continue to dominate tourism figures, while Vienna and Burgenland have experienced the fastest growth since 2019. Despite the overall success, Lower Austria and Carinthia have not yet returned to their pre-pandemic visitor numbers. The tourism industry saw a balanced distribution of overnight stays between summer and winter, with a slight preference for summer. The winter season, however, generated higher spending per stay due to additional costs associated with ski holidays. Luxury accommodations, particularly four- and five-star hotels, and high-quality holiday apartments have seen significant growth.
Why It's Important?
The record-breaking performance of Austria's tourism industry in 2025 highlights the sector's resilience and adaptability in the face of economic challenges. This growth is significant for Austria's economy, as tourism is a major contributor to the country's GDP. The increase in luxury accommodations and high spending during the winter season indicates a shift towards more premium tourism offerings, which can lead to higher revenue generation. The success of regions like Vienna and Burgenland in surpassing pre-pandemic levels suggests a strong recovery and potential for future growth. However, the lag in recovery for Lower Austria and Carinthia points to regional disparities that may need to be addressed to ensure balanced economic benefits across the country.
What's Next?
As Austria enters 2026, the tourism sector is poised for continued success, with strong December results and a booming luxury accommodation market. The country's natural beauty, robust infrastructure, and diverse experiences continue to attract visitors, positioning Austria as one of Europe's top travel destinations. Moving forward, the focus may be on sustaining this growth and addressing regional disparities to ensure all areas benefit from the tourism boom. Stakeholders in the tourism industry may also explore strategies to capitalize on the increasing demand for luxury and premium experiences, potentially expanding offerings and enhancing marketing efforts to attract high-spending tourists.
