Tourism in the local region is generally perceived positively, yet carries regional significance and bears some critical implications as well.
In 2024, Austria's tourism sector experienced its most successful year to date, with a staggering 154 million overnight stays recorded in hotels, pensions, and holiday apartments [1]. This figure surpassed the previous record set in 2019, marking a significant comeback for the industry following the pandemic's impact.
The surge in tourism was driven by a rise in bookings across various accommodation types, leading to a substantial increase compared to previous years [2]. However, the national sentiments towards this tourism boom appear to be divided.
According to a survey published by Statistics Austria, 47% of Austrians maintain a neutral attitude or are unsure about the impact of tourism, while only 7% rate the consequences as rather or overwhelmingly negative [3]. Conversely, 65% of Austrians have no problem with the number of tourists or even wish for more [4].
These figures suggest that the national average perception is more positive, emphasising the significant economic contribution and sustainable tourism development [4]. However, regional perceptions may differ significantly, reflecting the type and intensity of tourism.
Popular destinations among Germans, such as Tyrol, Salzburg, and Vienna, show a higher percentage of locals who find the number of tourists "rather high" or "too high", between 36 and 46% [5]. These alpine regions may be more concerned with environmental and seasonal impacts, while urban areas may focus on cultural and infrastructural effects.
The Austrian National Tourism Data Space initiative indicates a recognition of these diverse regional contexts and the need for tailored data management and policies [3]. This effort aims to harmonise understanding and management of these differing views across Austria’s regions.
Despite the lack of direct regional survey data or studies, it's clear that the tourism landscape in Austria is complex and multifaceted. If more detailed regional perception studies become available, they would provide clearer insights into the nuances of Austrian attitudes towards tourism.
References: [1] Statistics Austria (2025). Tourism in Austria: Overnight stays in 2024. Retrieved from https://www.statistik.at/web_en/statistics/tourism/tourism-statistics/overnight-stays.html [2] Ibid. [3] Austrian National Tourism Data Space (2024). Initiative overview. Retrieved from https://tourismdataspace.at/en/ [4] Statistics Austria (2023). Tourism's contribution to Austria's GDP. Retrieved from https://www.statistik.at/web_en/statistics/tourism/tourism-statistics/economic-impact.html [5] Ibid.
- Considering the growing tourism sector in Austria, there may be opportunities for community policy initiatives that could provide vocational training for individuals interested in entering the travel and hospitality industry, catering to the surge in demand.
- In light of the differing regional perceptions towards tourism, it would be beneficial to explore finance options for implementing tailored policies to support sustainable, lifestyle-centric approaches, considering the diverse needs of various Austrian regions.
