Visitor Economy: RTSA for Vienna
The latest statistics from the RTSA relate to the 2023 reporting year. According to the numbers published by Statistics Austria and WIFO, the economic impact induced by tourism in Vienna amounted to an annual EUR 5.3 billion, with EUR 4.6 billion of this amount remaining in the capital. Consequently, Vienna generated an economic impact of EUR 600 million for the rest of Austria, meaning that around 12% of the value added induced by the Viennese tourism industry benefited the rest of Austria. As a result of the strong economic output attributable to other industries in Vienna, tourism “only” contributed 3.9% of Viennese GDP. Extrapolated nationwide, this figure is around 18% of tourism-related induced economic impact.
Podium finish for tourism revenue
In terms of income from tourism-related demand in Vienna – generated by segments such as accommodation, entertainment, culture, hospitality and transportation – Vienna is also out in front: at EUR 6.82 billion, Vienna achieved second place behind Tyrol and ahead of Salzburg.
One in eleven jobs in Vienna attributable to the industry
Tourism induces a significant economic impact in the country and creates jobs that are tied to specific locations – in terms of city tourism in Vienna, this primarily reflects year-round employment rather than seasonal labor jobs. Full-time equivalents and types of employment in the Vienna leisure and tourism industry were analyzed as part of the Statistics Austria and WIFO’s RTSA. During the reporting year (2023) around 9% of jobs (full-time equivalent) in Vienna were related to tourism and leisure. In numerical terms, this translates into 114,800 full-time equivalent for people living and working in Vienna.
Culture and congresses: quality tourism the route to success
Cultural and congress tourism – both areas in which the capital excels – are the foundation of Vienna’s strong performance. They are also sustainable since the offerings and infrastructure that these segments depend upon are also used by local residents. At the same time, these two segments consist of visitors with high spending power. Analysis carried out by the Vienna Convention Bureau as part of its regular Vienna Meetings Industry report shows that the average congress guest spends more than twice as much as other visitors to the city.