Vienna Tourism Conference 2024: COMPOSING A FUTURE

Vienna Tourism Conference 2024: COMPOSING A FUTURE

On November 13, 2024, the Vienna Tourism Conference unfolded under the theme COMPOSING A FUTURE at the MAK – Museum of Applied Arts . With around 500 attendees, Tourism Director Norbert Kettner shared key statistics from Vienna's tourism industry, highlighted pivotal projects, and outlined the grand plans for the upcoming Strauss Jubilee Year in 2025. The event also featured a thought-provoking keynote from British journalist and historian Richard Cockett, who explored Vienna’s lasting impact on 20th-century intellectual and cultural achievements, sparking reflection on the city’s continued relevance in the 21st century.

Vienna Tourism Conference 2024 ? Vienna Tourist Board, Rainer Fehringer

In line with sustainability efforts, the conference was certified as a Green Meeting by the Austrian Ecolabel and included sign language interpretation to ensure accessibility.

Key Insights & Highlights:

  • Opening Remarks: Hosted by ORF presenter Barbara Rett, the conference began with welcoming addresses from Peter Hanke , Vienna’s Executive City Councillor for Finance, Business, Labour, and International Affairs, and Walter Ruck, President of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce. Hanke emphasized the collaborative approach that has earned public support for tourism, with 9 out of 10 Viennese viewing it positively, and he highlighted infrastructure projects enhancing the city's resilience. Ruck praised Vienna’s recovery post-pandemic, spotlighted the Heartbeat Streets initiative promoting lesser-known districts, and expressed optimism about Vienna’s potential to regain international leadership.
  • Keynote by Richard Cockett: The Economist editor and author of Vienna: How the City of Ideas Created the Modern World underscored Vienna’s role in shaping the "Knowledge Economy," rooted in the city’s golden age and the era of Red Vienna. He described Vienna’s culture of free thinking, diverse influences, and the groundbreaking fusion of science and the humanities. His talk invited the audience to ponder how Vienna can reignite this spirit for future generations, a theme he further discussed with Kettner in an engaging Q&A.

Vienna Tourism Conference 2024 ? Vienna Tourist Board, Rainer Fehringer

Vienna’s Strong Tourism Performance in 2024

Norbert Kettner reported robust figures, with 13.6 million overnight stays from January to September 2024, marking an 8% increase over 2023. Germany, Austria, and the USA remained top markets, with American visitors leading in luxury accommodations. Revenue from hotel stays reached €964 million, a 12.5% rise from last year. Kettner also emphasized initiatives like the Vienna Meeting Fund, promoting sustainable and off-peak meetings to boost the city’s MICE sector.

Looking Ahead to 2025: King of Waltz. Queen of Music

Kettner unveiled King of Waltz. Queen of Music as the theme for 2025, celebrating Johann Strauss II’s 200th birthday. Attendees were treated to a preview of innovative programming, including a stunning dance performance by Viennese choreographer Lea Karnutsch. The event also showcased Space Anthem , a modern tribute blending Strauss’s timeless music with contemporary interpretations.

Vienna Tourism Conference 2024 ? Vienna Tourist Board, Rainer Fehringer


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