Agile Action Programs as a response to crises

Tourism is affected by the multiple crises that the world is facing. As a result, planning depends much more on agility and resilience than ever before, with a carefully-thought-through balance of robustness and rapid adaptability playing an essential role. If the wider framework shifts, people need to be ready to respond and look for new models for success. 

More than ever, the Visitor Economy Strategy should be approached as a framework – within which flexible Action Programs and specific initiatives are worked on to meet current challenges. Everyone has the opportunity to play an active role under these Action Programs: 

• The Vienna Tourist Board in its function as a destination marketing and destination management organization

• ...in partnership with the city's stakeholders: the Visitor Economy makes an important contribution to achieving the city’s goals. Municipal policy and (support) programs, in turn, have the capacity to make a vital contribution to the Visitor Economy.

• ...and in partnership with the full spectrum of companies in the Visitor Economy ecosystem

It is also a question of highlighting issues that fall outside the organization's direct sphere of influence. Often, it’s necessary to take a stand, draw red lines, formulate positions and campaign for important issues at the national or European level..

How are the Action Programs created?

The central tool for bringing the Action Programs to life is Vienna’s “Sustainable Tourism Observatory”. The Observatory serves as a “compass” for pinpointing trends early, identifying pain points and formulating responses on the basis of accurate data. But it is also a platform that serves all participants in the Visitor Economy, whose activities help to shape tourism in Vienna – in return, it helps them to better align their own offerings and ensure that they remain competitive. The success of sustainable, forward-looking development is conditional on growth that is derived from sustainable practices. It pays to participate!

As a rule, the different topics covered by the Action Programs emerge from the dialog between the city and the tourism industry. The Vienna Tourist Board regularly invites the different providers and institutions in the Visitor Economy to share their observations and concerns, whether it’s at stakeholder events or through participating in online polls. Next, all concerned work together to determine which focus topics should be given priority and implemented quickly.