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How Austria is Outpacing Portugal, Poland, Switzerland, Albania, Sweden, Eire, and Cyprus with Report Tourism Progress: New Report You Have to Know
Sunday, January 19, 2025
Austria has emerged as Europe’s tourism chief, outpacing Portugal, Poland, Switzerland, Albania, Sweden, Eire, and Cyprus with document development in 2023. With practically thirty a million worldwide arrivals, Austria far exceeds Portugal’s over twenty six million and Poland’s approx. nineteen million, setting the benchmark for post-pandemic tourism restoration. Whereas different nations like Switzerland and Eire are making vital strides, and rising locations like Albania and Cyprus present spectacular development, none can match Austria’s customer numbers or the range of experiences it presents.
Austria’s success is fueled by its capability to draw year-round vacationers. In Tyrol alone, practically eleven million guests flocked to the area in 2023, whereas Salzburg and Vienna welcomed approx. six million and approx. six million, respectively. The nation’s attraction is rooted in its alpine magnificence, cultural landmarks, and wealthy historical past, making it a vacation spot for all sorts of vacationers.
Past numbers, Austria’s tourism business has a profound financial affect, with pre-pandemic revenues reaching €37.9 billion. Compared, Portugal generated €6 billion from vacationer lodging in 2023, and Poland’s tourism revenues are projected to succeed in $11.6 billion by 2028. These figures spotlight Austria’s commanding lead in each customer quantity and financial returns.
Austria: Main Europe’s Tourism Revival with Report Numbers
Austria has emerged as a shining star in Europe’s tourism restoration, attaining approx. thirty a million vacationer arrivals in 2023, a exceptional leap from over twenty six million in 2022. The nation’s attraction lies in its seamless mix of pure magnificence and cultural treasures. From the beautiful Alps in Tyrol to the historic appeal of Vienna and Salzburg, Austria presents one thing for each traveler.
Tyrol stays the highest vacation spot for worldwide vacationers, welcoming 10.7 million arrivals in 2023. Salzburg and Vienna observe intently with 5.9 million and 5.8 million arrivals, respectively, cementing their standing as international favorites.
Austria’s tourism isn’t nearly numbers—it’s about affect. The business considerably boosts the financial system, contributing 7.6% to the GDP in 2019, and although the pandemic slowed issues down, 2023 marks a strong comeback. Guests spent roughly €37.9 billion in 2019, and the developments recommend a return to pre-pandemic spending patterns.
By way of lodging, Austria can also be recovering effectively. The 2022/23 winter season, the primary with out pandemic restrictions since 2019, noticed an occupancy charge of 34.7%, inching nearer to pre-pandemic ranges. The summer season of 2023 additional solidified this development, with occupancy charges hitting 35.6%, simply shy of the 36.5% recorded in 2019.
Vienna, although nonetheless adjusting to a rise in out there beds, is closing the hole. Town’s variety of in a single day stays has virtually matched pre-pandemic ranges, a testomony to its resilience and international attraction.
Austria: A Cultural and Scenic Wonderland
Vienna
Tour the Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens.
Marvel at St. Stephen’s Cathedral and climb the tower for beautiful views.
Take pleasure in a efficiency on the Vienna State Opera.
Stroll via the elegant Hofburg Palace complicated.
Go to the Belvedere Palace to see Gustav Klimt’s well-known The Kiss.
Salzburg
Discover Hohensalzburg Fortress atop town.
Go to Mozart’s Birthplace, now a captivating museum.
Wander via the enchanting Mirabell Gardens.
Stroll the cobblestone streets of the Outdated City, a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
Take a day journey to the close by Salzkammergut Lake District.
Innsbruck
Admire the Golden Roof within the medieval Outdated City.
Take the Nordkette Cable Automobile for breathtaking alpine views.
Go to Ambras Fort, an artwork and historical past museum.
Ski or hike the encircling Tyrolean Alps.
Cease by the Bergisel Ski Bounce, which presents beautiful panoramic views.
Portugal: Sturdy Progress, However Austria Leads the Pack
Portugal witnessed a powerful restoration in tourism, with over twenty six million arrivals in 2023, up from over twenty two million in 2022. Whereas this development is important, Austria outpaced Portugal by recording approx. thirty a million arrivals, cementing its place as Europe’s tourism chief.
Portugal stays a worldwide favourite, drawing vacationers from Spain (2.38 million guests), the UK (2.35 million), and the US (2.3 million). These figures showcase its magnetic attraction, however they nonetheless fall in need of Austria’s numerous and widespread vacationer base spanning Tyrol, Salzburg, and Vienna.
Economically, Portugal’s tourism sector introduced in €6 billion in lodging revenues, representing a 20.1% development over 2022. Nevertheless, Austria’s pre-pandemic ranges of €37.9 billion in tourism spending present a stark distinction, demonstrating its financial dominance within the sector.
Portugal’s in a single day stays additionally confirmed development, significantly amongst non-residents (+15%). But, Austria’s occupancy charges in the summertime of 2023 reached 35.6%, edging nearer to its pre-pandemic highs, whereas Portugal’s home journey (nonetheless dominant at 86%) displays a extra regional focus.
Whereas Portugal’s tourism business is prospering and persevering with to develop, Austria’s capability to draw a better variety of worldwide guests and generate higher financial returns units it aside because the chief in Europe’s tourism resurgence.
Portugal: Wealthy Historical past and Vibrant Seashores
Lisbon
Uncover the long-lasting Belém Tower and close by Jerónimos Monastery.
Journey the historic Tram 28 via town’s charming neighborhoods.
Go to the Alfama District for Fado music and slim streets.
Discover São Jorge Fort for unbelievable views of town.
Cease by the LX Manufacturing unit for stylish retailers, eateries, and avenue artwork.
Porto
Wander the colourful streets of the Ribeira District.
Tour the Livraria Lello, one of many world’s most lovely bookstores.
Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge for views of the Douro River.
Take pleasure in wine tasting at Port Wine Cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Go to the ornate Church of São Francisco, well-known for its gilded inside.
Faro
Discover the Outdated City (Cidade Velha) and its cobblestone streets.
Loosen up on the beautiful Praia de Faro seaside.
Take a ship journey to the Ria Formosa Pure Park.
Go to the Arco da Vila, a historic gateway to town.
Tour the Carmo Church, identified for its eerie Bone Chapel.
Poland: Spectacular Restoration, But Trailing Behind Austria
Poland is steadily regaining its tourism momentum, with practically nineteen million vacationer arrivals in 2023, up from practically sixteen million in 2022. Regardless of this sturdy restoration, Poland’s numbers stay far behind Austria’s approx. thirty a million arrivals, highlighting Austria’s dominance within the European tourism panorama.
Germany leads as the highest supply of tourists to Poland, contributing over 1.5 million vacationers in 2023. Different vital contributors embody Ukraine (858,000 vacationers), the UK (588,000), and the US (442,000). Whereas these figures reveal Poland’s rising worldwide attraction, they pale compared to Austria’s main areas like Tyrol and Vienna, which collectively entice thousands and thousands extra yearly.
Economically, Poland’s tourism income is forecasted to develop steadily, reaching $10.7 billion in 2023 and projected to climb to $11.6 billion by 2028. Nevertheless, Austria’s tourism spending, which approached €37.9 billion in 2019, underscores its capability to generate far higher financial contributions.
Poland’s lodge occupancy charges additionally point out progress, with 65% occupancy in June 2024 and a mean income of 373 zloty per occupied room. But, Austria’s constant year-round attraction and better occupancy charges place it as a extra strong vacation spot.
Whereas Poland continues its upward trajectory, Austria’s unmatched capability to attract thousands and thousands of worldwide vacationers and generate substantial financial affect retains it firmly within the lead amongst European locations.
Poland: The place Historical past Meets Fashionable Appeal
Kraków
Stroll via the Primary Market Sq., Europe’s largest medieval sq..
Go to Wawel Fort and Cathedral for royal historical past.
Replicate on the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.
Wander via the historic Kazimierz Jewish Quarter.
Take a day journey to the beautiful Wieliczka Salt Mine.
Warsaw
Tour the reconstructed Outdated City, a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
Find out about historical past on the Warsaw Rebellion Museum.
Admire the views from Palace of Tradition and Science.
Stroll via Łazienki Park and its palace on the water.
Go to the POLIN Museum of the Historical past of Polish Jews.
Gdańsk
Discover the historic Lengthy Market and Neptune Fountain.
Tour St. Mary’s Church, the biggest brick church on the earth.
Study maritime historical past on the European Solidarity Centre.
Stroll alongside the Motława River and see the medieval crane.
Go to Westerplatte, the positioning of WWII’s first battle.
Switzerland: Sturdy Progress, however Austria Units the Benchmark
Switzerland skilled a exceptional rebound in tourism, attracting over eighteen million worldwide guests in 2023, a major improve from over 9 million in 2022. Regardless of this development, Austria outperformed Switzerland with approx. thirty a million arrivals, underscoring its place because the chief in Europe’s tourism restoration.
Germany topped the checklist of worldwide guests to Switzerland, with 1.7 million arrivals contributing to eight.19% of the market share. The US, France, the UK, and Italy additionally performed very important roles in boosting Swiss tourism numbers. Nevertheless, Austria’s widespread attraction, particularly in Tyrol and Salzburg, introduced in far higher customer numbers, showcasing its broader attain.
Switzerland’s tourism income surpassed CHF 18.4 billion in 2023, a 12% improve from 2022 and even larger than pre-pandemic figures. This financial development is spectacular, however Austria’s pre-pandemic spending of practically €37.9 billion highlights its dominant place in tourism contributions to the financial system.
Switzerland’s alpine appeal and luxurious attraction stay sturdy attracts, however its smaller dimension and specialised tourism focus imply it trails behind Austria’s extra numerous choices. Austria’s broader vary of locations and cultural experiences continues to draw thousands and thousands extra worldwide guests, reinforcing its function as Europe’s tourism chief.
Whereas Switzerland is carving out its area with document revenues and constant development, Austria’s capability to dominate each customer numbers and financial affect retains it forward within the race for European tourism supremacy.
Switzerland: Alpine Bliss and City Class
Zurich
Stroll alongside the scenic Bahnhofstrasse, one of many world’s most luxurious buying streets.
Go to the Kunsthaus Zurich, an excellent artwork museum that includes works by Swiss and worldwide artists.
Take a ship cruise on Lake Zurich for serene views of the Alps.
Stroll via the charming Outdated City (Altstadt) with its historic guild homes and cobblestone streets.
Discover the Swiss Nationwide Museum to dive into the nation’s historical past and tradition.
Geneva
Marvel on the iconic Jet d’Eau, a towering water fountain in Lake Geneva.
Tour the Palace of Nations, house to the United Nations Workplace in Geneva.
Go to the Pink Cross Museum, an inspiring journey via humanitarian historical past.
Stroll via the Parc des Bastions, house to the Reformation Wall and delightful gardens.
Discover the charming Carouge District, identified for its artisan retailers and cafes.
Lucerne
Stroll throughout the historic Chapel Bridge and admire its Seventeenth-century work.
Take the Golden Spherical Journey to Mount Pilatus, combining boat, cogwheel practice, and cable automotive rides.
Go to the Lion Monument, a shifting tribute to Swiss Guards who died in 1792.
Discover the Swiss Museum of Transport, certainly one of Europe’s most complete transportation museums.
Benefit from the serene great thing about Lake Lucerne with a scenic boat trip.
Albania: Fast Progress, However Austria Maintains Its Lead
Albania has been a rising star in European tourism, welcoming approx. ten million million guests in 2023, up from over seven million in 2022. This development marks a major restoration, however Albania nonetheless lags far behind Austria’s approx. thirty a million arrivals, emphasizing Austria’s commanding lead in Europe’s tourism panorama.
Western Europe continues to dominate as Albania’s main market, with guests from Italy, Germany, France, and Spain main the inflow. Albania has additionally seen rising curiosity from the US, the UK, and Turkey, broadening its worldwide attraction. Nevertheless, Austria’s capability to attract thousands and thousands extra from numerous international markets, corresponding to Tyrol’s 10.7 million arrivals, retains it far forward by way of quantity and variety.
Tourism has develop into an important a part of Albania’s financial system, contributing €2 billion in income within the first half of 2023 alone, a 23% improve year-on-year. Moreover, in a single day stays in Albania skyrocketed, with a 48.2% improve, pushed by each resident (60.9%) and non-resident (42.3%) guests. Nevertheless, these figures are dwarfed by Austria’s pre-pandemic spending of €37.9 billion and its sustained capability to draw high-spending worldwide vacationers.
Albania’s southern coast and central areas have seen significantly sturdy development, with 70.5% and 39.5% will increase in in a single day stays, respectively. Occupancy charges in lodges additionally climbed to 44.8% in July 2023, up from 38.6% in July 2022. These are spectacular enhancements, however Austria’s year-round attraction and better occupancy charges replicate a extra established and constant tourism infrastructure.
Albania is quickly rising as a fascinating European vacation spot, however Austria’s unmatched scale, financial affect, and international attraction hold it on the forefront of European tourism.
Albania: A Mediterranean Gem on the Rise
Tirana
Go to Skanderbeg Sq., the colourful coronary heart of town.
Discover Bunk’Artwork 2, a bunker-turned-museum detailing Albania’s communist historical past.
Journey the Dajti Ekspres Cable Automobile for panoramic views of town and surrounding mountains.
Wander via the colourful Pazari i Ri (New Bazaar) for recent produce and souvenirs.
Uncover the Nationwide Historical past Museum, Albania’s largest museum.
Berat
Tour Berat Fort, which nonetheless homes households inside its historical partitions.
Stroll via the Mangalem Quarter, identified for its “thousand windows” Ottoman-era homes.
Go to the Onufri Nationwide Museum, showcasing spiritual artwork and artifacts.
Stroll alongside the Osum River and admire the city’s picturesque setting.
Discover the close by Bogove Waterfall, a hidden pure gem.
Saranda
Loosen up on the attractive seashores of Ksamil, only a brief drive away.
Uncover the UNESCO World Heritage Website of Butrint, an historical metropolis with Greek and Roman ruins.
Go to Lekursi Fort for beautiful views of Saranda and the Ionian Sea.
Benefit from the vibrant nightlife alongside the Saranda promenade.
Take a day journey to the mesmerizing Blue Eye Spring, a crystal-clear pure spring.
Sweden: A Regular Restoration, However Austria Units the Tempo
Sweden welcomed practically eight million worldwide vacationers in 2023, a 13.5% improve from the over seven million arrivals in 2022. Whereas this marks a robust restoration for Sweden, it nonetheless falls considerably in need of Austria’s spectacular approx. thirty a million arrivals, highlighting Austria’s dominance in Europe’s tourism development.
Sweden’s tourism restoration, although slower than Austria’s, displays a gradual return to pre-pandemic ranges. In 2019, Sweden hosted 7.62 million worldwide guests, simply barely larger than its 2023 numbers. In the meantime, Austria has not solely rebounded however surpassed its pre-pandemic success, cementing its standing as a European chief.
In 2023, vacationers spent $9.96 billion in Sweden, a 7% improve from pre-pandemic ranges. Nevertheless, Austria’s tourism sector generated far higher financial returns, with spending nearing €37.9 billion in 2019, showcasing its broader attain and better customer quantity.
Resorts dominate Sweden’s lodging sector, contributing 90% of all revenues, with occupancy charges reaching 58.3% in 2019. Whereas these figures replicate strong development, Austria’s widespread lodging choices and constantly larger occupancy charges guarantee its place on the prime of Europe’s tourism market.
Sweden’s attraction lies in its pristine pure landscapes, vibrant cities, and deal with sustainability. Nevertheless, Austria’s extra numerous choices, from its alpine areas to cultural hubs like Vienna and Salzburg, proceed to draw considerably extra guests, setting it aside because the chief in European tourism.
Sweden: Fashionable Sophistication Meets Pure Magnificence
Stockholm
Wander via the Gamla Stan (Outdated City), house to colourful buildings and cobblestone streets.
Go to the Vasa Museum to see a Seventeenth-century warship preserved virtually totally intact.
Discover the ABBA Museum, a tribute to the long-lasting Swedish pop group.
Take a ship tour of the Stockholm Archipelago, a group of over 30,000 islands.
Tour the Royal Palace, one of many largest in Europe and nonetheless utilized by Sweden’s royal household.
Gothenburg
Spend a fun-filled day at Liseberg Amusement Park, a favourite for households.
Wander via the Haga District, identified for its wood homes, cafes, and distinctive retailers.
Go to the Universeum Science Museum, that includes interactive displays and aquariums.
Take a stroll via the luxurious Gothenburg Botanical Backyard.
Take pleasure in recent seafood on the iconic Feskekôrka (Fish Church).
Malmö
Admire the trendy structure of the Turning Torso, Scandinavia’s tallest constructing.
Cross the Øresund Bridge to Denmark for a day journey.
Discover Malmö Fort, a Sixteenth-century fortress housing museums and displays.
Stroll via Kungsparken, a serene metropolis park with picturesque canals.
Go to Stortorget, the principle sq. surrounded by historic buildings and cafes.
Eire: A Tourism Hub, however Austria Steals the Highlight
Eire welcomed over six million worldwide vacationers in 2023, a decline from the over seven million recorded in 2022 and considerably beneath its pre-pandemic peak of practically eleven million in 2019. Whereas Eire works to regain its momentum, Austria’s exceptional approx. thirty a million arrivals in 2023 solidify its dominance in Europe’s tourism resurgence.
The vast majority of Eire’s abroad vacationers come from Britain, the US, Germany, and France, accounting for 68% of all worldwide arrivals. This reliance on just a few key markets contrasts with Austria’s capability to draw numerous guests throughout the globe, together with document numbers to areas like Tyrol and Salzburg.
Eire’s tourism income for 2023 totaled €6.4 billion, a robust determine however nonetheless modest in comparison with Austria’s pre-pandemic financial affect of €37.9 billion in tourism spending. Whereas Eire’s lodge business thrived, with luxurious lodges in Dublin seeing occupancy will increase of 10.2%, Austria’s year-round vacation spot attraction and better customer volumes hold it forward of the pack.
Dublin stays Eire’s hottest vacation spot, with the encircling areas boasting occupancy ranges of 85% in 2023, adopted by 83% in Dublin metropolis middle. Nevertheless, these occupancy charges pale compared to Austria’s general lodging success, particularly throughout key seasons like winter and summer season.
Eire continues to enchant guests with its lush landscapes, historic landmarks, and heat hospitality, however Austria’s capability to constantly entice bigger crowds and generate higher financial returns ensures it stays on the forefront of European tourism.
Eire: A Mix of Historical past and Pure Magnificence
Dublin
Go to Trinity Faculty to see the well-known Ebook of Kells and the beautiful Lengthy Room Library.
Tour the Guinness Storehouse to study Eire’s iconic beer and luxuriate in a pint with panoramic views from the Gravity Bar.
Stroll via St. Stephen’s Inexperienced, a serene metropolis park good for enjoyable.
Discover the historic Temple Bar District, identified for its pubs, stay music, and vibrant nightlife.
Uncover the Kilmainham Gaol, a former jail steeped in Irish revolutionary historical past.
Galway
Stroll alongside the Spanish Arch and the close by promenade for beautiful harbor views.
Discover Eyre Sq., the center of Galway, surrounded by retailers and cafes.
Go to the Galway Metropolis Museum to study native historical past and tradition.
Take a day journey to the Cliffs of Moher, certainly one of Eire’s most iconic pure landmarks.
Uncover the scenic great thing about the Aran Islands, a brief ferry trip from Galway.
Cork
Kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Fort for the reward of eloquence.
Wander via the historic English Market, a haven for meals lovers.
Go to Fota Wildlife Park, an open-air zoo with unique animals.
Take a ship journey to Spike Island, generally known as “Ireland’s Alcatraz.”
Discover Cork Harbour, one of many world’s largest pure harbors.
Cyprus: Resilient Progress, However Austria Leads the Method
Cyprus welcomed practically 4 million vacationers in 2023, a rise from over three million in 2022, marking a gentle restoration. Nevertheless, Austria’s record-breaking approx. thirty a million arrivals in the identical yr spotlight its dominance in Europe’s tourism revival, leaving Cyprus far behind by way of customer numbers.
The UK remained Cyprus’s largest supply of vacationers, accounting for 23.7% of arrivals in December 2024. Different key markets included Israel (17.4%), Poland (9.4%), Greece (9.0%), and Germany (5.7%). Whereas these markets contribute considerably to Cyprus’s tourism, they aren’t as numerous or large-scale as Austria’s wide-reaching attraction, which incorporates thousands and thousands of tourists to Tyrol, Salzburg, and Vienna.
Tourism income in Cyprus for 2023 reached €2.99 billion, a 22.6% improve from 2022. This development is commendable, but it surely pales compared to Austria’s financial affect from tourism, with pre-pandemic spending nearing €37.9 billion. Austria’s capability to draw each high-spending worldwide guests and home vacationers units it aside as a tourism powerhouse.
Cyprus’s lodge sector confirmed sturdy efficiency, with occupancy charges reaching round 80–85% throughout peak months like August and October 2024. Nevertheless, Austria’s constant occupancy charges all year long, supported by each winter sports activities lovers and summer season cultural vacationers, spotlight its benefit as a year-round vacation spot.
Cyprus’s sunny seashores and Mediterranean appeal make it a popular vacation spot for a lot of, however Austria’s mixture of cultural richness, alpine magnificence, and financial affect guarantee it stays on the prime of Europe’s tourism leaderboard.
Cyprus: Solar, Sea, and Historic Wonders
Nicosia
Go to the Cyprus Museum, house to the island’s most important archaeological finds.
Stroll down Ledra Avenue, a vigorous space that crosses the divide between North and South Nicosia.
Tour the Selimiye Mosque, a hanging Gothic construction with Ottoman influences.
Uncover the Leventis Municipal Museum, chronicling Nicosia’s historical past.
Take pleasure in native delicacies at one of many many conventional tavernas within the outdated metropolis.
Limassol
Loosen up at Limassol Marina, a contemporary waterfront space with retailers, eating places, and yachts.
Discover Limassol Fort, housing the Cyprus Medieval Museum.
Stroll alongside the Molos Promenade, good for seaside views and household outings.
Go to the traditional metropolis of Kourion, with its spectacular Greco-Roman theater.
Spend a day at Woman’s Mile Seaside, a preferred spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Paphos
Discover the Tombs of the Kings, an archaeological marvel and UNESCO website.
Wander via the Paphos Archaeological Park, that includes historical ruins and mosaics.
Loosen up on the picturesque Coral Bay Seaside, identified for its golden sands.
Go to Aphrodite’s Rock, the legendary birthplace of the goddess of affection.
Uncover the charming Outdated City of Paphos, crammed with retailers, cafes, and avenue artwork.
Austria’s record-breaking efficiency in 2023 has firmly positioned it as Europe’s tourism chief, outpacing Portugal, Poland, Switzerland, Albania, Sweden, Eire, and Cyprus. With approx. thirty a million vacationer arrivals, Austria not solely surpassed these nations in numbers but additionally demonstrated its capability to generate vital financial affect. From Tyrol’s alpine attract to Vienna’s cultural splendor, Austria presents an unmatched mix of experiences that proceed to draw guests from across the globe.
Whereas nations like Portugal and Poland confirmed exceptional development and others, like Switzerland and Eire, capitalized on area of interest markets, Austria’s year-round attraction and numerous points of interest set it aside. Even rising locations like Albania and Cyprus, which posted spectacular restoration figures, couldn’t match Austria’s dominance in scale and financial contribution.
Austria’s success underscores its standing as a tourism powerhouse, pushed by strategic growth, distinctive customer experiences, and a robust deal with sustainability. As Europe’s journey business continues to recuperate, Austria stands as a mannequin for the right way to mix custom, innovation, and pure magnificence to attain unparalleled development. It’s clear that Austria is not only bouncing again—it’s setting the tempo for the way forward for European tourism.