Austria boosts tourism with a new visa-free policy for 95 countries, including Schengen, USA, Brazil, UK, and UAE, attracting both leisure and business travelers.
Austria’s travel and tourism industry is experiencing a significant boost, thanks to its visa-free policy for citizens from 95 countries, including all Schengen countries. This policy facilitates easier access for international travelers, making Austria a more attractive destination. The country’s robust airline network, with major carriers like Austrian Airlines and low-cost options such as Ryanair and Wizz Air, further enhances connectivity. Additionally, Austria hosts a plethora of events and conferences, attracting not just leisure tourists but also business travelers, meeting planners, and event attendees. This diverse influx of visitors underscores Austria’s appeal as a destination that offers both cultural and professional opportunities, solidifying its status as a key player in the global travel and tourism market.
“Austria’s strategic visa-free policy for 95 countries, including all Schengen nations, has been a game-changer for its travel and tourism industry. This ease of access, coupled with a top-notch airline network and a vibrant calendar of events, has not only attracted leisure travelers but also a significant influx of business tourists attending conferences, meetings, and industry events. The synergy of cultural richness and business opportunities creates a unique blend that appeals to a diverse audience. Whether it’s skiing in the Alps, exploring Vienna’s historic architecture, or attending a cutting-edge tech conference, Austria seamlessly integrates pleasure and professionalism, solidifying its reputation as a premier global destination. This multifaceted appeal has driven impressive visitor numbers, making Austria a shining example of how strategic policies and diverse offerings can propel a nation’s tourism sector to new heights.” said Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan (Editor in Chief of TTW).
Austria’s Tourism Achievements
Top-Ten Ranking and Visitor Surge
Austria achieved a top-ten ranking with 26 million visitors in 2022, as reported by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). This places Austria among the world’s most visited international destinations, ahead of other popular travel markets like Portugal and the Netherlands. The summer of 2023 saw 21.1 million arrivals, surpassing the forecasted 20 million, showcasing Austria’s ability to attract even undecided travelers.
Economic Impact
In 2022, the total contribution of travel and tourism to Austria’s GDP exceeded 40 billion U.S. dollars, remaining approximately 10 percent lower than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Austria’s rich history, culture, and landscapes play a significant role in maintaining its status as a leading tourist destination in Europe.
Leading Inbound Markets
German guests reported the highest figures regardless of the season. Between November 2022 and April 2023, Germany topped Austria’s inbound travel markets in winter with approximately 26 million overnight stays, followed by the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
Visitor Statistics and Trends
Monthly Visitor Arrivals
Austria recorded 2,799,107 visitor arrivals in March 2024, down from 3,214,074 in the previous month. The data, updated monthly since January 1974, reached an all-time high of 3,993,600 in August 2019 and a record low of 12,900 in April 2020, reflecting the impact of the pandemic.
Vienna Airport’s Role
Key Hub and Passenger Growth
Vienna Airport, the country’s largest airport, is crucial for accommodating the tourist influx. Located in Schwechat, 18 km southeast of central Vienna, and 57 km west of Bratislava, it serves as the hub for Austrian Airlines and a base for Ryanair and Wizz Air. In the first quarter of 2024, Vienna Airport saw an 11% increase in passenger numbers to 5,910,251, with flight movements rising to 46,294. The average seat load factor increased to 76.5%, and cargo volume rose by 15.6% to 68,058 tonnes.
Future Projections
Vienna Airport expects about 30 million passengers in 2024, with April 2024 alone recording 2,610,171 passengers, a 5.9% increase from the previous year.
Austrian Airlines Performance
Passenger and Capacity Increase
In the first quarter of 2024, Austrian Airlines increased passenger numbers by 11% to around 2.5 million. The airline’s available seat-kilometers also rose by 11% to approximately 5.2 billion compared to the same period in the previous year.
Major Upcoming Events in Austria
20 JUN
Thematic City Tours
Thu, 3:30 – 5:00 pm
Bad Ischl Tourism, Trinkhalle, Auböckpl. 5
Bad Ischl, Austria
22 JUN
Family Tour
Sat, 2:30 – 3:30 pm
Ars Electronica Center, Ars-Electronica-Straße 1
Linz, Austria
23 JUN
Family Tour
Sun, 2:30 – 3:30 pm
Ars Electronica Center, Ars-Electronica-Straße 1
Linz, Austria
23 JUN
Sunday Concert for Mother’s Day in Bad Gleichenberg
Sun, 7–9 pm
Tourism Region Bad Gleichenberg, Kaiser-Franz-Josef Str. 1/top 4
Bad Gleichenberg, Austria
23 JUN
AC/DC
Sun, 7:30 – 10:30 pm
Ernst Happel Stadium, Meiereistraße 7
Vienna, Austria
25 JUN
Toourism
Tue, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Architekturzentrum Wien, Museumsplatz 1
Vienna, Austria
25 JUN
The National
Tue, 7:30 – 10:30 pm
Wiener Stadthalle, Roland-Rainer-Platz 1
Vienna, Austria
27 JUN
Thematic City Tours
Thu, 3:30 – 5:00 pm
Bad Ischl Tourism, Trinkhalle, Auböckpl. 5
Bad Ischl, Austria
29 JUN
Family Tour
Sat, 2:30 – 3:30 pm
Ars Electronica Center, Ars-Electronica-Straße 1
Linz, Austria
30 JUN
Family Tour
Sun, 2:30 – 3:30 pm
Ars Electronica Center, Ars-Electronica-Straße 1
Linz, Austria
5 JUL
Nicki Minaj
Fri, 5 – Sat, 6 Jul
Magna Racino, Racino Pl. 1
Ebreichsdorf, Austria
15 AUG
Thematic City Tours
Thu, 3:30 – 5:00 pm
Bad Ischl Tourism, Trinkhalle, Auböckpl. 5
Bad Ischl, Austria
12 SEPT
Thematic City Tours
Thu, 3:30 – 5:00 pm
Bad Ischl Tourism, Trinkhalle, Auböckpl. 5
Bad Ischl, Austria
26 SEPT
Thematic City Tours
Thu, 3:30 – 5:00 pm
Bad Ischl Tourism, Trinkhalle, Auböckpl. 5
Bad Ischl, Austria
Austria’s tourism sector continues to thrive due to its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and robust infrastructure, making it a prime destination for travelers globally.
List of countries that can visit Austria visa free:
- El Salvador
- United Kingdom
- Belgium
- Taiwan
- Sweden
- Poland
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Georgia
- Vanuatu
- Ukraine (biometric passports)
- Slovakia
- Spain
- Macau
- Brazil
- Germany
- Portugal
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Malta
- Greece
- Serbia (biometric passports)
- Denmark
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Cyprus
- Mauritius
- Argentina
- Ireland
- Bosnia and Herzegovina (biometric passports)
- Venezuela
- Andorra
- Seychelles
- Micronesia
- Hong Kong
- Timor-Leste
- Romania
- Albania (biometric passports)
- Colombia
- Brunei
- Israel
- Netherlands
- Paraguay
- Dominica
- Monaco (biometric passports)
- San Marino
- Iceland
- New Zealand
- Tuvalu
- Vatican City
- Barbados
- Marshall Islands
- Kiribati
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Nicaragua
- France
- Austria
- Solomon Islands
- Canada
- Peru
- Norway
- Grenada
- Palau
- South Korea
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Singapore
- North Macedonia (biometric passports)
- Saint Lucia
- Chile
- Liechtenstein
- Montenegro (biometric passports)
- Slovenia
- Malaysia
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Honduras
- Mexico
- Latvia
- Croatia
- Tonga
- United States
- United Arab Emirates
- Guatemala
- Samoa
- Finland
- Bulgaria
- Czech Republic
- Costa Rica
- Italy
- Panama
- Kosovo
- Estonia
- Moldova (biometric passports)
- Uruguay
- Hungary
- Japan
- Switzerland
Austria’s tourism sector is thriving, driven by its strategic policies and robust infrastructure. The top-ten global ranking in 2022, a significant increase in visitor numbers, and substantial contributions to the GDP underscore its appeal. The visa-free policy for 95 countries, including all Schengen nations, enhances accessibility, attracting a diverse array of tourists. The well-connected airline network and the host of events and conferences position Austria as a premier destination for both leisure and business travelers. Vienna Airport’s growing passenger volumes and Austrian Airlines’ expanding capacity reflect this trend. As Austria continues to attract international visitors with its rich cultural heritage and business opportunities, it solidifies its reputation as a leading travel and tourism hub in Europe and the world.
Top tourist spots in Austria:
Top 5 Tourist Spots in Austria
- Vienna: Famous for its imperial palaces, vibrant cultural scene, and historic sites like the Schönbrunn Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Vienna also hosts numerous museums, theaters, and the renowned Vienna State Opera.
- Salzburg: Birthplace of Mozart, known for its baroque architecture, the iconic Hohensalzburg Fortress, and the beautiful Mirabell Palace and Gardens. The city’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Innsbruck: Nestled in the Alps, Innsbruck is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. It offers stunning views, the impressive Golden Roof, and the majestic Hofburg Palace.
- Hallstatt: A picturesque village by the Hallstätter See, known for its breathtaking alpine scenery, charming wooden houses, and the ancient Hallstatt Salt Mine. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit for nature lovers.
- Graz: Austria’s second-largest city, known for its well-preserved medieval old town, the striking modern architecture of Kunsthaus Graz, and the beautiful Schloss Eggenberg. Graz is also recognized as a UNESCO City of Design.