Reducing emissions

Reducing average greenhouse gas emissions per guest and overnight stay is a major priority for tourism. This goal can be supported by motivating visitor, especially those from nearby countries to use lowemission means of transport and extending the average length of stay for guests.

Responsible consumption of resources

Using natural resources responsibly is already anchored in the minds of those involved in the visitor economy. Incorporating local products and cutting down on single-use plastics and food waste are criteria for certifying businesses in the tourism and leisure sector with the Austrian Eco-Label, the EU Ecolabel and other internationally recognized sustainability labels. Targeted communication measures can help to convince business owners of the positive effects and advantages of these certifications and the number of certified business in Vienna will continue to rise as a result.

Sustainable business

A sustainable visitor economy generates lasting economic growth, brings about local value creation and also creates year-round job opportunities in the city’s tourism sector. In addition to the city itself, its residents and business owners, associated sectors outside of the traditional tourism industry also benefit, as do regions beyond the destination’s borders.

The aim of Vienna’s sustainable visitor economy is to contribute to the overall prosperity and economic growth in the city and Austria by increasing value creation through tourism, and in particular the revenue from overnight stays in Vienna’s accommodation establishments.

Fair working environment

Workforce shortages in businesses in the tourism sector have worsened in recent years. The pandemic did not cause the shortage of workers, but did exacerbate the situation.

The employer’s market has become an employee’s market. Measures need to be initiated to raise awareness of the advantages brought by the sector and to increase it further. Cities offer job security and predictability thanks to year-round tourism. Fair pay, enabling people to live on their wages, and opportunities for continued training in order to improve career prospects are necessary to ensure that employees remain in the industry in the long term. Targeted advertizing to boost months or seasons with low visitor numbers can help to improve job security in businesses involved in Vienna’s tourism sector. Der Arbeitskräftemangel in touristischen Betrieben hat sich in den letzten Jahren verschärft. Die Pandemie hat den Fachkräftemangel zwar nicht ausgelöst, wirkt aber als Beschleuniger.

Diversity, equity, inclusion

Equality, gender balance, inclusion and promoting social dialogue create an environment without discrimination and are actively encouraged in the city of Vienna and the Vienna Tourist Board. The Vienna Tourist Board has been a member of the IGLTA (International LGBTQ+ Travel Association) since 1997. Inclusive marketing is par for the course and is continuously evaluated, expanded and improved.

The development plan for Vienna includes making the city fully accessible. The aim is to minimize barriers in order to make the city’s living spaces as pleasant and accessible for all as possible.

The Vienna Tourist Board sees itself in this respect as a “visitors’ advocate.” Targeted and wide-ranging information catering for people with special requirements with regard to the accessibility of tourism attractions and services in the media and tourist information centers run by the Vienna Tourist Board allow every visitor to plan an accessible stay in the city.

Social dialogue

Integrating the city’s residents is an essential factor in ensuring that the local populace has a positive attitude towards tourism. This social dialogue is particularly important in the inner city area and in discussions on unbalanced tourism or overtourism with a view to achieving a balance between tourism and the needs of the local population.

Regular surveys of Vienna’s residents on their relationship with tourism help to maintain this social dialogue and to evaluate the development of attitudes towards tourism.

Social and cultural authenticity

Visitors have a considerable interest in engaging openly with local identities and attitudes towards life. They appreciate local specialities, craftsmanship and culture and seek out authentic and inspiring experiences away from the usual tourist offerings. The cultural identity of Vienna as a destination becomes visible, tangible and can also be reinforced through the targeted communication of authentic Viennese attractions and experiences.