Tourism. Austria. Invest in the European Champion for Tourism. INVEST IN AUSTRIA

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1 Tourism Austria Invest in the European Champion for Tourism

2 TOURISM Dynamic Business Location Companies profit from an excellent business environment Austria ranks among the most prosperous and innovative countries in the European Union. Austria is not only a highly attractive business location due to its political, social and economic stability, highly developed infrastructure, well-educated and highly-motivated employees and outstanding quality of life. A strong market with high purchasing power, excellent research funding programs, a high reliability of energy supplies as well as its central geographical location and related role as an ideal East-West business interface also make the country attractive to international companies deciding in favor of Austria as a business location. Austria has also always had a great deal to offer as a tourism destination. All the pre-requisites for high quality tourism are fulfilled here. The World Economic Forum ranks the geographically tiny country of Austria among the world champions in tourism and a European leader with respect to per capita tourism revenue. Numerous international investors successfully relying on Austria as a tourism location already profit from the culture, landscape and highly qualified employees. 2 Editorial: December 201; Owner&Publisher: Austrian Business Agency; Editor-in Chief: René Siegl; Associate Editor: Hanni Grassauer, Karin Schwind-Derdak

3 Austria: European Champion in Tourism Attractive tourism destination with high development potential Competition in the growth market of tourism is tough. Each year the World Economic Forum selects the best tourism destinations, and evaluates the attractiveness and development potential of approx. 140 countries. Austria is rated an outstanding twelve in the world. In terms of its tourist service infrastructure, Austria is even ranked number one globally by the World Economic Forum. This impressive performance is also underlined by the hard facts. The country may be small, but Austria is a giant with respect to tourism. There is hardly any country in the world which can match Austria in terms of tourism income. In 2016, foreign visitors to Austria spent a total of EUR 1.4 billion. Total tourism revenue amounted to EUR 40 billion. The strong growth rate of 4.1% in the number of overnight stays in Austria in 2016 was not only above the long-term annual average but also surpassed the performance of the entire EU-28. Famous around the world for its cultural offering and untouched natural environment, Austria equally lures tourists and tourism enterprises million visitors decided to enjoy high-quality tourism in Austria in Top tourism countries Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index Austria is the European tourism champion Per capita tourism revenue in (2015) Spain France Germany Japan Italy Austria Portugal Sweden Greece Cyprus Source: World Economic Forum Austria Greece Belgium/Luxembourg Portugal Spain Sweden Denmark Ireland Netherland France Italy Finland Germany 1,265 1,164 1,088 1,03 1, ,936 Source: Austrian Institute of Economic Research (WIFO) 3

4 TOURISM Resource Paradise for Qualified Personnel Key Figures 2016 Firms: 90,000 Employees: 208,144 Trainees: 8,88 Education MODUL University Vienna (MU Vienna) Vienna University of Economics and Business Executive Academy Tourism Schools Salzburg Tourism Schools Tyrol Outstanding tourism schools enjoy a global reputation The friendly service, the competent information at the information desk, the professional guided tours through Austria s cultural and scenic treasures ensure that special vacation feeling with a sustainable effect. Austria has gained international recognition for its high educational level in the field of tourism. After all, the qualified and friendly staff is one of the most important factors underlying quality tourism. Comprehensive educational offering. Not only are eleven different apprenticeship occupations with a quality guarantee offered in the tourist sector, but 18 study programs are available to students at universities of applied sciences as well as numerous degree programs at universities and one private university. 28 schools in the field of tourism. Some 9,000 junior cooks, specialized restaurant staff, hotel, catering and travel agency assistants, fitness trainers etc. take advantage of Austria s well-grounded dual educational system, which uniquely fuses theory and practical training. Other courses of study Austria is the ideal holiday park country for Landal. It offers our guests everything they might desire. Peter Bos Manager Development Landal GreenParks 4

5 Soothing the Soul All pre-requisites are fulfilled in Austria for the further develop-ment of a high-quality tourism offering A tourist country with great potential for the future. Austria meets all the requirements placed on a tourist destination: a well-preserved environment with scenic beauty, natural resources, a well-managed cultural landscape for the most part, green meadows and mountain pastures, crystal-clear waters and much more. These natural treasures combined with one of the most diverse possible cultural offerings, the highest quality of life, the highest level of personal security and the fewest problems with pollution make Austria a tourism country boasting lucrative future potential. From the Alps to the steppe lake. Nine regions of superlatives offer a multifaceted, diversified and unique vacation experience in Austria. The country features a broad-based tourism offering, ranging from Alpine hut frolics to the Salzburg Festival. In addition to skiing and hiking, the most popular activities include visiting sights and naturally enjoying culinary delights. Vacationers in Austria can indulge in treats, from the hearty Brettljause and regional specialties to the world-famous Sacher cake. Most popular summer vacation activities in Austria in percent Most popular winter holidays in Austria in percent Hiking/Climbing Relaxing Nature holiday City breaks Cycling/Mountain biking Swimming/Lake holidays Cultural holidays Shopping Wellness/Beauty Visit to relatives/friends Skiing/snowboarding Winter & snow Relaxing Shopping City breaks Hiking/Climbing Wellness/Beauty Nature holiday Visit to relatives/friends Fun holidays Source: Austrian Federal Economic Chamber Source: Austrian Federal Economic Chamber 5

6 TOURISM A Growth Market Attracts Interna-tional Investors Popular with tourists from all over the world as a safe travel des-tination The 4.1% increase in overnight stays in 2016 not only clearly surpassed the longterm annual average since the year Contrary to previous developments, it also surpassed the performance of the entire EU-28. An international comparison also shows that the number of overnight stays on the part of foreign guests grew at rate which was 2% higher than the average in other EU countries. Numerous international investors, from Starwood, Falkensteiner, Hilton and Steigenberger to Motel One Group, Accor and Landal Green Parks, already profit from the culture, scenery and highly qualified employees in Austria. Austria has a reputation as a safe travel destination. This good image is doubly important in times of crisis. The high internationality of Austrian tourism in an EU comparison is worthy of note. Most recently foreign visitors accounted for about 0% of all overnight stays. Austria has proven to be very attractive for Motel One, especially due to its stability and the traditionally strong hotel market. In particular, Vienna ranks among Europe s top travel destinations along with destinations such as Berlin and London, and offers great potential for favorably priced accommodations at a high quality level. Motel One Group Up until now LandalGreenParks has built six parks in Austria, and an additional park is already under construction. If we compare the attractiveness of tourist destinations for Landal guests, we can say that Austria stands out above all thanks to the friendliness of the population, the comparatively reasonable prices, the large ski areas and the many activities in summer in addition to the diversity and charm of its countryside. There are very good reasons to explain why Austria is so popular among our guests. Landal GreenParks 6

7 Funding Programs for Business Support for activities in the field of tourism Austria attaches considerable importance to tourism, and the government provides support to the tourism industry through numerous funding programs. The Digitalization Strategy for Tourism launched by the Austrian Federal Government and the Federal Economic Chamber supports the digital transformation, partnering with companies by offering relevant service, training and consulting services on their path into the digital future. Austrian Tourism Bank (ÖHT) Österreichische Hotel- und Tourismusbank Gesellschaft m.b.h. (ÖHT), the Austrian Tourism Bank, is a specialized financial institution focusing on the financing and promotion of investments in the field of tourism. In this way, it makes a significant contribution towards shaping the development of Austria s tourism and leisure industry. In 2016, the bank provided financial assistance for a total investment volume of more than EUR 660 million. In addition to financing based on low-interest loans, ÖHT also offers pre-financing of export subsidies. In addition to federal funds, the investment promotion measures also involve financing by the European Union, the ERP Fund and the European Investment Bank. ABA Invest in Austria: Consulting free of charge for international investors in Austria ABA Invest in Austria, the consulting company of the Republic of Austria, is the top choice of international investors aiming to establish a company in Austria. It offers you information ranging from funding programs and market opportunities to tax regulations. 25 qualified employees puts its know-how at your disposal to provide you with unbureaucratic support, but at no cost to you.

8 Invest in Austria ABA Invest in Austria Opernring 3 A-1010 Vienna Tel.: Fax: office@aba.gv.at Internet: