It’s Now Or Never
About 80 tour operators and travel agents were on hand for a stylish event in Toronto last night hosted by the Vienna Tourist Board, Vienna International Airport and Austrian Airlines.
The event provided travel trade types with an update on what to expect from Vienna, Vienna International Airport and Austrian Airlines in 2016.
Elke Bachner of the Vienna Tourist Board began by thanking those attending for the support they had given Vienna in the past decade, support that has resulted in a dramatic increase in Canadian visitors to the Austrian capital. During that time, Canadian overnights have grown by 5.4%, while visitor arrivals are up by 5%.
Pointing out that Vienna was a city of history, culture, music and art, Bachner said that the theme of its promotions during the coming year will be Vienna 2016 Imperial & Contemporary, and will include celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the death of Emperor Franz Joseph.
Ernst Holzer of Vienna International Airport described the airport as the gateway to Eastern Europe, with a catchment area that includes 11.8 million inhabitants within a 2 hour drive. Along with easy access to key centres in Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, etc., Vienna International has also developed a significant long-haul network.
Currently, the airport handles 22.5 million passengers annually; servicing 70 airlines that fly to 172 destinations.
Austrian Airlines’ Rhonen Azoulay began his presentation by pointing to the two SkyTrax awards that the carrier had received – one for Best Airline Staff in Europe, the other for Best Business Class On Board Catering.
Azoulay also pointed out to his audience that Austrian was growing and was in the process of adding three new destinations – Miami, Mauritius and Colombo. In fact, during 2015-2016, the carrier will bring 9 new destinations online.
Seen in the photo, from l to r, are Armando Mendonca; Rhonen Azoulay of Austrian Airlines; Elke Bachner of the Vienna Tourist Board; and Ernst Holzer of Vienna International Airport.
