The main source markets recorded increases: overnight stays from Germany rose by 6.6 percent to 19.22 million and from the Netherlands by 8.8 percent to 5.81 million. Together, they accounted for half of the foreign overnight stays. Of 15.15 million arrivals, an increase of 6.3 percent, 11.07 million (plus 8.1 percent) were foreign guests and 4.08 million (plus 1.6 percent) were domestic guests.
Domestic Winter Tourism on Record Course
Heute, 12:28
Domestic winter tourism records highs despite economic challenges. According to Statistics Austria, overnight stays from November to February increased by 5.5 percent to 54.25 million, a historic peak. Domestic overnight stays remained stable at 11.42 million, while foreign overnight stays increased by 7.1 percent to 42.83 million.
Strong February Puts Winter Tourism on Record Course
"With a share of more than a quarter of all overnight stays in winter, February is traditionally the most important month of the tourist winter season," said Statistics Director General Manuela Lenk according to the release. "This year, the staggered semester breaks in Austria and the winter holidays in neighboring countries have increased overnight stays in domestic hotels, guesthouses, and holiday apartments in February to 18.09 million." This is 5.1 percent more than in February of the previous year. Tourism State Secretary Elisabeth Zehetner (ÖVP) emphasized in a release that the current figures are an important signal for employment and regional value creation. At the same time, she stressed that growth in the industry should not be perceived as an "inflation driver," "but as a contribution to stability, regional income, and secured employment."
Hospitality Fears Weak March
Despite the record numbers, the domestic hospitality industry is cautious and warns of a "significantly" more challenging March. "Across Austria, we see a noticeable restraint in bookings - and this at a time when we actually need planning security. Bookings are being made even more last-minute - or not at all in case of doubt," said Georg Imlauer, chairman of the Hotel Industry Association of the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKÖ), according to the release. A large part of the growth is taking place outside the classic hospitality sector, such as in commercial holiday apartments and campsites - the development should therefore not be interpreted as a "success for the entire industry."
(APA/Red)
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