With an increase of 6,7% compared to the previous year, the Austrian tourism industry is in excellent shape at the start of the 2024/25 winter season. In November 2024, domestic accommodation establishments recorded 5,52 million overnight stays, a clear increase compared to the 5,18 million overnight stays in November 2023. These preliminary figures, published by Statistics Austria, underline the importance of tourism as a central economic sector in the country and provide an optimistic outlook for the entire season.
The excellent booking figures during the Christmas and New Year holidays confirm the attractiveness of Austria as a winter travel destination. The mild weather, which even allowed people to sit on terraces in regions with less snow, contributed to the short-term booking situation. Hans Spreitzhofer, chairman of the Hotel Industry Association in the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, emphasises: "The current overnight stay figures are a positive signal for our industry and show that we are on the right track."
But despite the positive start, Spreitzhofer warns against premature euphoria. He points out that economic success cannot be measured solely by the number of overnight stays. High energy prices, rising personnel costs and necessary investments are putting a strain on many companies. Clear political support is therefore required to stabilize the industry in the long term. Suggestions such as reducing non-wage labor costs or shortening depreciation periods could relieve financial pressure on companies and enable them to remain competitive.
A resilient sector with potential
The past few years, marked by pandemic-related challenges and economic uncertainty, have shown that the Austrian tourism industry is adaptable. The resilience of the companies and the high demand prove that guests' trust in the quality and offer is unbroken. Spreitzhofer emphasizes: "The number of overnight stays is giving us a tailwind, but our focus must continue to be on improving the economic framework and offering our guests a first-class experience."
A decisive factor for the success of the 2024/25 winter season is also the diversity of the offers. In addition to traditional ski regions, cities and areas with less snow are benefiting from growing demand. This development shows that Austrian tourism is more broadly positioned than ever before. From cultural offerings in Vienna and Salzburg to outdoor experiences in the Alps, the country remains a popular destination for travelers from home and abroad.
Perspectives for 2025
With the tailwind of the successful start to the season, the industry is cautiously optimistic about 2025. However, the challenges remain great, especially in view of rising operating costs and a tight labor market. But the strong demand and the continuous development of tourism offerings give cause for hope.
The Austrian hotel industry continues to focus on quality and customer satisfaction in order to assert itself in an increasingly competitive international environment. For 2025, the industry hopes to build on its previous successes while at the same time finding innovative solutions to the existing economic challenges. Spreitzhofer sums up the mood in the industry: "With a united team effort, we can also end 2025 successfully."
The successful start of the 2024/25 winter season shows that Austrian tourism continues to be a strong pillar of the domestic economy. The positive overnight stay figures are not only a sign of the country's attractiveness, but also of the resilience and innovative strength of the industry. Despite existing challenges, the hotel industry is looking to the coming months with confidence and is doing everything it can to offer guests an unforgettable holiday experience.
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