Whether it’s the similar names or opposite climates attract, Aussie travellers set a new tourism record for Austria with 153,000 arrivals in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic visitation numbers by 1.2 per cent and being overall over-achievers in the APAC region.
Last year, Australians accounted for 415,000 overnight stays in the European nation, up three per cent on 2019 levels.
Australia was also the EU country’s top performer in the Asia-Pacific region and the only APAC market to exceed pre-COVID tourism levels.
Austrian National Tourist Office (ANTO) Market Representative for Australia Lilly Freudmayer said: “It is wonderful to see that Australians have rediscovered Austria as a preferred destination in Europe.”
“Our hosts cannot wait to welcome many more guests from Down Under in 2024 to enjoy the rich cultural heritage, breathtaking scenery and diverse offering of outdoor activities.”
More flights to Austria
Ms Freudmayer said the expected air uplift from the arrival of Turkish Airlines and increased Emirates services will add much-needed capacity from Australia to Europe.
Emirates, Qatar Airways and Lufthansa Group operate the popular route from Australia to Vienna or Munich while Turkish Airlines will connect Australians from Istanbul to Salzburg, making the nation’s western regions more accessible.
Salzburg is the gateway to the Bad Ischl Salzkammergut Alpine region aka Austria’s Lake District, which is also the European Capital of Culture 2024.
“The introduction of additional flights could not have come at a better time for Australians to discover this lesser-known region and participate in the festivities taking place throughout the year,” Ms Freudmayer said.
Advisors can find out more via the Austria Resource Hub.
