Vienna Tourism Breaks Records with Over 20 Million Overnight Stays in 2025

Vienna has officially recorded the most successful tourism year in its history. In 2025, Austria’s capital surpassed 20 million overnight stays, marking a new milestone for the city and reinforcing its position as one of Europe’s most compelling urban destinations.

According to the Vienna Tourist Board, the city logged 20,065,000 overnight stays, representing a 6% increase over 2024. The achievement comes at a time when many European destinations continue to navigate economic pressures and shifting travel patterns—making Vienna’s performance particularly notable.

The growth reflects Vienna’s ability to balance its imperial heritage with modern, high-end experiences, attracting international travelers seeking culture, design, gastronomy, and premium hospitality.

Vienna Tourism Statistics Reveal Unprecedented Growth

Vienna’s tourism growth translated directly into economic impact. From January through November 2025, accommodation revenues reached €1.25 billion, up 4% year over year. November alone generated €131 million, a 10% increase compared to the same month in 2024—highlighting the city’s success in sustaining demand beyond peak travel seasons.

Industry observers note that Vienna has not only recovered to pre-pandemic levels but has moved decisively beyond them, placing the city among Europe’s top-performing capital destinations.

International Market Dynamics and Visitor Demographics

International travelers accounted for 83% of overnight stays, up slightly from 82% in 2024, underlining Vienna’s growing global appeal.

Germany remained the city’s largest source market, generating 3.54 million overnight stays, followed closely by domestic Austrian tourism at 3.38 million. The United States continued its upward trajectory, recording 1.26 million stays, a 3% increase year over year, and playing a key role in driving demand for luxury accommodations.

Canada delivered one of the strongest performances, with overnight stays rising 17% to 235,000, signaling increasing awareness of Vienna among long-haul North American travelers.

Norbert Kettner, CEO of the Vienna Tourist Board, described 2025 as “the most successful year for city tourism in Vienna since records began,” crediting close collaboration across the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Luxury Accommodation Sector Drives Market Excellence

Vienna’s accommodation landscape reflects the city’s commitment to quality and luxury, with nearly 60% of the city’s hotel capacity concentrated in four and five-star properties. The city boasts approximately 450 hotels offering around 84,600 beds, creating a diverse range of options for discerning visitors while maintaining high standards across all segments.

The luxury segment has been particularly dynamic, with new flagship properties opening throughout 2025. The Mandarin Oriental Vienna, located in the historic Vienna Commercial Court building, exemplifies this trend by combining modern luxury amenities with the preservation of architectural heritage. This approach resonates strongly with contemporary travelers who seek authentic experiences within luxurious settings.

Industry experts note that Vienna’s focus on premium accommodations has created a positive cycle where higher-quality properties attract affluent visitors, who in turn generate greater revenue per stay. This strategy has proven particularly effective in attracting business travelers and leisure visitors from high-value markets such as North America and Western Europe.

The city’s hotel sector has also embraced sustainability initiatives, with many properties implementing eco-friendly practices and obtaining green certifications. This alignment with environmental consciousness appeals to modern travelers who increasingly consider sustainability factors when making accommodation choices.

Strategic Vision Through Optimum Tourism Initiative

Rather than chasing volume alone, Vienna is advancing its “Optimum Tourism” strategy, which emphasizes sustainable growth, resident satisfaction, and high-value travel segments.

A key objective is increasing the share of overnight stays tied to meetings and conventions to 10% of total demand, helping stabilize year-round occupancy and attract higher-spending visitors. Cultural tourism remains another priority, encouraging longer stays and deeper engagement with local communities.

The city has also set an ambitious goal of maintaining a tourism acceptance score of 9 out of 10, recognizing that long-term success depends on strong local support.

Urban Innovation and Cultural Programming Excellence

Vienna’s forward momentum continues into 2026, supported by a robust calendar of international events. The city will host the 70th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest in May 2026, delivering global exposure to hundreds of millions of viewers.

The meetings and events sector will remain a major contributor, with nearly 50 international conferences expected to attract more than 1,000 participants each, alongside several large-scale events projected to exceed 10,000 attendees.

To support sustainable urban tourism, the Vienna Tourist Board also launched a Placemaking Playbook, encouraging collaboration between tourism leaders, urban planners, and community stakeholders to create public spaces that benefit residents and visitors alike.

A Model for Sustainable Urban Tourism

Vienna’s record-breaking year demonstrates the power of a strategy built on premium experiences, cultural authenticity, and long-term planning. Beyond hotel revenues, tourism continues to support thousands of jobs across hospitality, retail, transport, and the creative industries—while strengthening Austria’s broader destination brand.

As Vienna enters 2026, the city stands well-positioned to build on its momentum. With major global events, expanding luxury infrastructure, and a clear commitment to sustainability, Vienna’s success in 2025 appears less like a peak—and more like a foundation for continued growth.