The summer went reasonably well for the Viennese hotels. However, the five closing months in spring (the only exception: business travelers) turn the balance deep red. State aid prevented a wave of bankruptcies. The industry is now hoping for Christmas markets and luxury tourists.
Vienna had 2.3 million overnight stays from January to August. That is almost 40 percent less than in the 1st pandemic year of 2020. The company’s net sales fell by 47 percent.
Nevertheless: the guests are slowly returning. August was well booked. Some houses are half full again. “However, that was partly due to the price,” says industry chairman Dominic Schmid. The rooms were 10 to 15 percent cheaper than before Corona.
The hope lies in the strong Advent season, on the Christmas markets (from today’s perspective, they may take place). And that there will be no more tough interventions. “Eight out of ten guests are vaccinated. But 1 G would be fatal for us, ”says Schmid.
Wien Tourismus is running the campaigns from Germany to Italy and Spain. Viennese flair, art and good food are advertised. One focus is on the super-rich (with assets in excess of $ 30 million). The film “Vienna – A luxurious journey” is intended to lure you into the city. Experts agree: If everything goes smoothly, the black zero can still work out this year. However, a return to the pre-crisis level will take years.