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March 13, 2026

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March 13, 2026

The results of the Lower Austrian ski season 2025/2026 show a significant increase in visitors.

Jan Gruber March 13, 2026 19:01

The winter season in Lower Austria's ski resorts is drawing to a close, delivering a positive overall result despite low natural snowfall across the state. The Annaberg lifts, the Mönichkirchen adventure park, and the ski areas at Semmering Hirschenkogel and Ötscher in Lackenhof will remain open until Sunday, March 15, 2026. The Hochkar mountain lifts are an exception; due to their high altitude, they will remain open until Easter Monday, April 6, 2026, thus offering the opportunity for Easter skiing. Gemeindealpe Mitterbach and the Wexl Arena have already ceased their winter operations to prepare for the summer season. The hiking infrastructure on the Rax and Schneeberg mountains, however, remains open to day-trippers. Current statistics show a total of approximately 715.000 skier visits in Lower Austria, representing a 22 percent increase compared to the average of the last three years. The state government emphasizes the significant regional economic importance of the mountain lifts for the province. Investments in artificial snowmaking were highlighted as a crucial factor in the success, as they ensured continuous operation even during periods of low snowfall. The number of operating days increased by approximately 12 percent compared to previous years, improving planning certainty for restaurants and accommodation providers in the ski regions. The family ski area in St. Corona am Wechsel achieved an outstanding result with a new record of over 62.000 visits. The cross-regional "Lower Austria Mountain Experience Pass" also recorded record usage, according to the operating company ecoplus Alpin. Industry representatives from the Chamber of Commerce point out that the stable slope conditions between Christmas and the end of February, without any major warm spells, contributed to the success of the ski resorts.

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Ryanair adds Cologne/Bonn-Rimini to its route

Amely Mizzi March 13, 2026 18:03

Irish airline Ryanair is expanding its services at Cologne/Bonn Airport with a new route to the Italian Adriatic coast, just in time for the peak travel season. Starting June 1, 2026, the city of Rimini will be served three times a week. The exclusivity of this route is particularly noteworthy: it is Ryanair's only direct connection to this Italian destination within the airline's entire German network. Flights will operate on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with a flight time of just under two hours using Boeing 737 aircraft. Cologne/Bonn Airport management sees the new route as a valuable addition to the summer flight schedule, as Rimini, a classic seaside resort, is highly attractive to families and city travelers. In addition to its expansive sandy beaches, the Emilia-Romagna region offers a historic old town and internationally renowned cuisine. For Ryanair, the expansion to Rimini represents a further step in consolidating its offering of low-cost point-to-point connections outside the major hubs and specifically promoting regional tourism in Italy. Rimini is already the twelfth new destination to be added to the flight schedule of Cologne/Bonn Airport this year. This continues the airport's growth trajectory and diversifies its offerings, particularly towards Southern and Southeastern Europe. Other new destinations in the current program include cities such as Bucharest, Belgrade, Trabzon, and Podgorica. By staggering flight times to Rimini, ranging from early morning to late evening, the airline is targeting different user groups and increasing flexibility for short trips as well as longer holidays. Industry experts view the inclusion of this specific route as a strategic decision to...

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Expansion of repatriation flights for Israeli citizens from the Far East

Amely Mizzi March 13, 2026 17:05

Israeli airline El Al, in close coordination with the national Ministry of Transport, is intensifying its efforts to repatriate Israeli citizens from the Asia-Pacific region. Following an official order to expand capacity, the company is concentrating its operations on three key hubs: Bangkok, Phuket, and Tokyo. The goal is to expedite the return journey for thousands of Israelis stranded in the region due to numerous flight cancellations by international airlines. Cooperation with the Israeli Airports Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority is enabling adjustments to operational frameworks to efficiently manage logistical bottlenecks at Asian gateways. Next week, the airline plans to nearly double its number of flights from the Far East, operating approximately 20 special flights, primarily from Bangkok, Thailand. This measure aims to transport more than 6.000 passengers. The company is pursuing a clear prioritization strategy: first, passengers who already held El Al tickets and whose original flights were canceled will be given priority. Only after these rebooking processes are completed will remaining seats be made available to customers of other airlines and for new bookings. To keep the financial burden manageable for affected travelers in the current situation, a fixed price has been introduced for repatriation flights. A one-way flight to Israel is offered on the company's website and through affiliated travel agencies for US$599. This pricing structure is intended to facilitate quick and uncomplicated processing, while simultaneously increasing the pressure on foreign airlines that have temporarily suspended or significantly reduced their operations to Israel.

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New industry award “Tourism Stars” attracts record interest

Jan Gruber March 13, 2026 16:08

The newly created "Tourism Stars" award, which will recognize outstanding achievements in the Austrian leisure industry for the first time in April 2026, is already enjoying considerable success in the nomination phase. By the beginning of March, over 400 nominations had been received from all nine federal states. The range of nominees is broad and includes both traditional hotels in the Alps and innovative start-ups, renowned restaurants, and influential figures in the industry. The award aims to showcase the diversity of the sector on a national stage and highlight excellence in a total of 14 different categories. A key focus of the initiative is the promotion of young talent and technological innovation. In the "Apprentice of the Year" category, around 20 talented individuals are competing for the top prize, while the "Smart Tourism Star" category recognizes projects that develop digital solutions for the future of travel. The winners are selected by an independent expert jury, with the regulations stipulating that each federal state must be represented at least once in the final round. In addition to expert evaluation, public opinion plays a crucial role: In the "Audience Star of the Year" category, the winner is determined solely by the votes of the public. Nearly 10.000 votes were registered in the first few days of voting. The awards ceremony will take place on April 27, 2026, in a festive setting at Schönbrunn Palace. The event, supported by numerous renowned business partners, serves not only to honor the winners but also to foster networking within the industry. The accompanying program includes exclusive insights into Viennese cultural institutions and underscores the close interrelationship between tourism, culture, and business.

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Summer flight schedule at Linz Airport: Focus on Frankfurt and the Mediterranean

Belinda Borg March 13, 2026 15:07

Linz Airport is launching into the 2026 summer season with a portfolio expansion. A key pillar of the new strategy is the daily connection to the global hub of Frankfurt am Main, commencing on March 29. Danish airline DAT (Danish Air Transport) will operate an ATR72 aircraft permanently based in Linz for this service. This connection provides passengers from Upper Austria not only with direct access to Germany's most important air traffic hub, but also, via interlining agreements, with connections to destinations worldwide. This strengthens the regional airport's importance for both business travelers and international tourists. In the leisure travel sector, the Greek islands continue to dominate. In addition to the classic destinations of Rhodes, Kos, and Crete, specialized niche destinations such as Kefalonia, Skiathos, and Lefkada will be served. Cooperation with specialized tour operators like Rhomberg and Springer Reisen provides access to authentic destinations away from mass tourism. The program is complemented by established charter destinations such as Mallorca, Antalya, and the Croatian island of Brač. For diving enthusiasts, Hurghada in Egypt remains a regular part of the summer flight schedule, having already seen stable demand during the winter. The low-cost sector is largely dominated by Ryanair, which is further consolidating its presence at Linz Airport. The nonstop service to London, launched in autumn 2024, will continue with two weekly flights. Similarly, Alicante on Spain's Costa Blanca and Bari in Italy's Apulia will continue to be served on Mondays and Fridays. This route network is aimed particularly at independent travelers and city tourists who value affordable connections to European metropolises and coastal regions. In addition to its regular scheduled and charter services, the airline also offers...

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Austrian city tourism is consolidating its role as an economic stabilizing factor.

Belinda Borg March 13, 2026 14:07

Tourism in Austria's major cities proved to be a key driver of the national economy in 2025. With a total of 29,1 million overnight stays, the nine state capitals recorded a significant increase of six percent compared to the previous year. This means that almost one in five overnight stays in Austria takes place in urban areas. The federal capital, Vienna, particularly dominates this segment, accounting for around two-thirds of urban overnight stays. Without the strong growth in these metropolitan areas, overall Austrian tourism growth would have stagnated at just one percent, underscoring the importance of cities for economic stability. A crucial characteristic of this trend is its independence from seasonal fluctuations. Unlike alpine winter or summer tourism, cities function as year-round destinations. This allows the sector to create permanent jobs, which is considered a strategic advantage given the general shortage of skilled workers. The diverse range of offerings, from high culture and conferences to major international events, attracts a high-spending audience from around the world. In 2026, Vienna will once again be in the global spotlight as the host of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest, promising further impetus for the hotel and restaurant industry. The economic impact of city tourism extends far beyond the accommodation sector. So-called spillover effects generate significant revenue for retailers and local service providers. Furthermore, the state capitals act as central mobility hubs, serving as a central point of contact for all Austrian travel. Revenue from the tourism tax and the increased added value flows directly back into urban infrastructure and the preservation of historical cultural assets. Thus, the sector not only secures private profits but also finances public services.

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Reorientation of European travel law: European Parliament adopts reform of the Package Travel Directive

Jan Gruber March 13, 2026 13:39

The European Parliament has adopted a comprehensive reform of the Package Travel Directive by an overwhelming majority, adapting the legal framework for the modern tourism sector to the digital age. With 537 votes in favor, a set of rules was approved that, in particular, clarifies the definition of package holidays, standardizes the handling of travel vouchers across the EU for the first time, and expands rights in the event of cancellations due to exceptional circumstances. The new regulations aim to close gray areas in combined online bookings and establish clear deadlines for refunds and complaint management. While consumer advocates welcome the strengthening of travelers' positions, the expanded cancellation options present the travel industry with new logistical and financial challenges. Before the directive can be applied in the member states, it still requires confirmation by the Council of the European Union. Following its publication in the Official Journal, a multi-year transition period will begin, during which national legislators must transpose the provisions into local law. Clarifying the concept of package holidays in the digital age: A key aspect of the reform is the detailed definition of what legally constitutes a package holiday. In the past, linked online booking processes in particular often led to legal uncertainties. Going forward, a package tour will be considered to exist as soon as various travel services are combined via linked booking systems. The crucial factor here is the timeframe: If contracts for different services are concluded within 24 hours and the first provider transmits the customer's personal data to subsequent service providers, the protection of the directive applies. This has far-reaching consequences for travel agents and platform operators. They are now obligated to explicitly inform their customers if an additional booking does not constitute a package tour in conjunction with...

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New summer flight schedule at Stuttgart Airport with a focus on European metropolises

Jan Gruber March 13, 2026 13:06

With the switch to summer time on March 29, 2026, Stuttgart Airport (STR) will implement its new summer flight schedule, which will remain valid until October 24, 2026. A total of over 30 airlines will serve approximately 120 destinations in 38 countries. Despite the extensive offering of 50.000 planned flights, the airport is experiencing a slight decrease in flight movements of around four percent compared to the previous year. Demand continues to be concentrated on the classic holiday markets of Turkey, Spain, and Greece, with Istanbul, Palma de Mallorca, and Antalya leading the booking figures. Eurowings remains the market leader at the airport, serving 80 destinations alone. The company is expanding its services, particularly to London, and will now fly to Gatwick Airport six times a week in addition to Heathrow. Frequencies to Italy and Spain have also been increased, while niche destinations such as Tbilisi, Tivat, and Marrakech have been added to the portfolio. A significant increase in operations is expected in the spring due to the runway renovation at Basel Airport. Between April 15 and May 20, 2026, Wizz Air will relocate numerous flights to Stuttgart, temporarily offering additional routes to Eastern Europe, including Banja Luka, Niš, and Tuzla. In the leisure flight sector, TUIfly will focus on established destinations such as the Cape Verde Islands, Djerba, and the Greek islands of Kos, Rhodes, and Heraklion. Croatia Airlines will introduce new scheduled services with a twice-weekly connection to Dubrovnik, while Air Serbia will increase its frequency to Belgrade to up to five flights per week. Scandinavian connections will be strengthened by SAS, which

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Geopolitical crisis drives up operating costs: Airlines react to oil market fluctuations with price adjustments

Jan Gruber March 13, 2026 12:36

The escalation of the conflict in the Middle East has far-reaching consequences for the global aviation sector and is currently leading to a noticeable increase in air travel costs. As crude oil prices, and consequently kerosene prices, have risen sharply due to the unstable political situation, international airlines are being forced to adjust their cost structures in the short term. While some major carriers have already implemented massive increases in ticket prices and fuel surcharges, European, and especially German, companies are still taking a wait-and-see approach due to long-term hedging strategies. Nevertheless, experts warn that widespread price hikes will be unavoidable if the crisis persists. Current developments highlight the industry's extreme dependence on energy markets and demonstrate how geopolitical tensions can directly impact the travel plans of millions of people worldwide. Asian and Pacific airlines are particularly in focus, having already taken action, while in the package tour sector, decision-making power increasingly lies with the large tourism corporations. Drastic Increase in Fuel Surcharges in the Asia-Pacific Region: The first significant reactions to the changed market situation came from airlines in the Oceania and Asia region. According to media reports, industry giants such as Qantas Airways and Air New Zealand have already adjusted their fare schedules upwards. Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has also made adjustments to offset increased operating costs. Sri Lankan Airlines provides a particularly striking example of the magnitude of the price increases. The national airline of the island nation informed its distribution partners that fuel surcharges will be massively increased effective March 14, 2026. For travelers, this means a considerable additional financial burden. For one-way flights, the surcharge has risen from €222 to €297.

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Record number of flight connections from Bremen to Crete for the year 2026

Stephen Steiner March 13, 2026 12:04

Bremen Airport is significantly expanding its capacity to Greece for the upcoming summer season. Three airlines are responding to the continued high demand in northwestern Germany and adding Heraklion to their flight schedules. Sundair will kick things off on April 18, 2026, with two weekly flights, supplemented by an additional Tuesday flight in May. This positions Bremen Airport as an important regional gateway for tourism in the eastern Mediterranean, with a catchment area of ​​approximately 13 million people. In addition to Sundair, Freebird is also increasing its service, operating the route on Mondays and Fridays starting May 8, 2026. Corendon Airlines is further expanding capacity, particularly targeting the autumn school holidays in Bremen and Lower Saxony. Between October 7 and 31, 2026, the airline will offer additional flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays. This increased flight frequency means that from May 2026, travelers will have more direct connections to Crete than ever before in the airport's history. The airport's management emphasizes the strategic importance of this development for Bremen as a business location. The competition from three airlines on a single route not only improves travel flexibility for passengers but also creates competition that strengthens the regional airport's appeal compared to major hubs. Bremen Airport, which opened in 1909 and is considered a pioneer of paved runways in Germany, is thus solidifying its role as a tourist hub for holidays in the south. Despite the focus on

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