Austria: on the starting line for the reopening to the world

Austria dreams of reviving its tradition of welcoming visitors from all over the world. It seems that this dream is now a matter of weeks, or even days. In 2019, the benchmark for a "normal" tourist year, the the tourism and travel sector contributed 11.8 % to Austrian GDP and accounted for 12.5 % of employment. At the time, foreign visitors generated 21.9 billion euros for the country, representing almost 10 % of exports (source: WTTC). A windfall which collapsed last year and which, for example, particularly affected a town like ViennaMore dependent than other Austrian destinations on international tourism.

From 17 to 19 May, the Austrian Tourism Days took place in virtual reality, replacing the ATB, the trade show that sells - and promotes - Austria as a destination. It was an opportunity for Elisabeth Köstinger, Federal Minister for Agriculture, the Regions and Tourism as well as Petra Stolba, Director General of the Austrian National Tourist Office (ONAT) to announce that theAustria was in the starting-blocks when it reopened. " The pandemic has hit the tourism economy hard, with all the consequences for other activities such as catering and culture. But we are determined to restore the tourism sector to its place in the world's top league of excellence.said Elisabeth Köstinger.

Vaccination and testing are at the heart of the standardisation strategy. " All the preconditions for the adoption of the digital passport have been met. Travellers from the European Union can once again stay in Austria under the following conditions the three Gs principle–"Getestet; Geimpft; Genesen [editor's note: "Tested; Vaccinated; Cured"]." said the Minister. " We are working to delete the quarantine for travellers entering the countryshe added. The end of the quarantine for travellers with a negative status was confirmed by the government on 17 May. A measure that affects Germany as well as France.

All evidence of Covid-negative status accepted

The government's ambition is clearly tospeeding up the return to a degree of normality. According to Elisabeth Köstinger, Austrians - and now European visitors - can be tested daily at Covid; at the same time, vaccination of the population is increasing. All types of proof of negative status - paper, SMS or internet certificates - are accepted.. According to the Minister, this will ensure both health safety and freedom of movement. In a second phase, Austria will introduce its own digital passport compatible with the European Union's Covid digital certificate. These documents will include the QR code advocated by the EU.

" The conditions under which travellers enter and leave Austria need to be standardised throughout Europe. And these conditions must be totally transparent to generate confidence among travellers. We continually update our health and safety measures in several languagessaid Petra Stolba.

" This concept of "healthily secure" stays has enabled us to launch a campaign for the MICE industry. It once again positions Austria as a leading destination in the conference market" Petra Stolba added. Business travel accounted for 14% of international visitor spending in 2019. ONAT is not only involved in a purely marketing concept. The office is also working on new formats and protocols for congresses and conferences in the country. Stay tuned!