Vienna announced best year ever for tourism in 2025

“ 2025 was the most successful year for Vienna’s city tourism since records began. With 20 million overnight stays, Vienna set a new benchmark and reinforced its status as a leading European destination.” The announcement was done by an all-smiles Norbert Kettner, CEO of the Vienna Tourist Board.

There are indeed many reasons for satisfaction for the tourism marketing agency of the Austrian capital. The city recorded 20,065,000 overnight stays, a 6% increase year over year and surpassing the previous record set in 2024.

Accommodation revenue is also expected to reach a historic high. Data evaluated from January through November shows confirmed revenues totaling €1.254 billion (US$1.494 billion) up 4% compared with the previous year.

November alone contributed €131 million, reflecting a 10% year-over-year increase. “In 2025, we are very likely to exceed the previous record of 1.4 billion euro set in 2024. My sincere thanks go to all entrepreneurs and employees in our visitor economy who made this success possible despite numerous challenges,” Kettner said.

International travelers accounted for approximately 83% of overnight stays in 2025, compared with 82% in 2024. Germany remained the largest source market with 3,543,000 overnight stays (up 2%), followed by Austria with 3,381,000 (up 1%). The United States ranked third with 1,259,000 overnight stays (up 3%) and generated the highest accommodation revenue in the five-star hotel segment.

Other key European markets included Italy (1,077,000, up 4%), the United Kingdom (800,000, unchanged), Spain (660,000, up 7%), France (539,000, up 2%), Poland (512,000, up 6%), Switzerland (408,000, down 2%), and Romania (394,000, up 6%).

China recorded 365,000 overnight stays (up 22%), ranking tenth for accommodation revenue but still reaching only about 70% of pre-crisis levels. Strong growth was also seen from Canada (235,000, up 17%), South Korea (232,000, up 7%), and Japan (202,000, up 24%). Meanwhile, Japan still remains 40% below its 2019 total.

60% of beds in four- and five-star category accommodation

Vienna currently has 450 hotels offering around 42,400 rooms and 84,600 beds, with roughly 60% of capacity in four- and five-star properties.

By the end of 2025, the city counted 26 luxury hotels, including the newly opened Mandarin Oriental in the former Vienna Commercial Court building. This diversified hotel supply positions Vienna well for major upcoming events, including the Eurovision Song Contest and several large international meetings scheduled for 2026.

The city expects to host nearly 50 congresses and corporate events with more than 1,000 participants each this year. Under its “Optimum Tourism” strategy, Vienna aims to achieve qualitative and sustainable growth, targeting one in ten overnight stays from the meetings sector and ensuring that two-thirds of visitors align with its “desired guests” profile—culture-oriented, quality-focused independent travelers who contribute positively to the city.

Last autumn, the Vienna Tourist Board introduced a comprehensive Placemaking Playbook as part of this strategy, offering practical guidance on integrating tourism, urban development, and community well-being to enhance public spaces and quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

Eurovision and Viennese cuisine in 2026

Looking ahead to 2026, Vienna will host the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in May, with citywide celebrations planned. The official ivie destination app will feature Eurovision guides, fan-zone information, and an interactive scavenger hunt.

The city will also spotlight its culinary scene under the theme “Vienna Bites: Cuisine, Culture, Character,” highlighting everything from fine dining to traditional sausage stands. More than 500 establishments are featured in the ivie app, along with a new “Tavern & Beisl Guide.”

Beginning in February, Michelin-starred chef Lukas Mraz and celebrity chef Tim Mälzer will explore Vienna’s food culture in the YouTube series “Hungry for More.”

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