ESC
May 9, 2026, 9:56 a.mMay 9, 2026, 9:56 a.m
Because the Austrian JJ won last year, this year’s Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Vienna.Image: keystone
The Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) has kept the cash registers ringing in Vienna’s tourism businesses. Cheaper accommodations in particular benefit from the major event, as Felix Neutatz, chairman of the hotel industry specialist group in the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, told the APA.
Two to three star establishments can boast above-average booking figures. In the luxury sector, however, there is restraint, Neutatz told the Austrian news agency APA.
In general, both the chamber and Vienna Tourism – which recently published figures – assume that occupancy is around 70 percent. This is viewed as quite positive by the interest group and the tourism association. However: According to the industry, a May weekend with a public holiday is also very well booked.
Younger audiences are causing a boom
According to Neutatz, the boom in the cheap segment is due to the fact that the ESC primarily attracts younger audiences. The four or five star hotels, which would probably be particularly well-occupied on a long May weekend, would even register declines. “The song contest is also a deterrent,” he states.
Given the party atmosphere throughout Vienna, guests from the high-priced segment would sometimes switch to other destinations. Some may have postponed their holidays. As Neutatz explained, it is already clear that the booking situation in June corresponds to the usual picture again. (sda/apa)