The tourism figures for Lower Austria show steady growth in the calendar year 2025. According to current projections from Statistics Austria, around 7,3 million overnight stays were registered, which corresponds almost exactly to the level of the previous year.
The overall deviation compared to 2024 amounts to a mere minus 0,4 percent. Particularly noteworthy is the positive response from foreign visitors, whose overnight stays increased by 2,7 percent year-on-year. Germany consolidated its position as the most important foreign source market, followed by its neighbors Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.
The year ended with a slightly positive result in December, with 459.500 overnight stays, representing a 0,2 percent increase compared to the strong figure for the same month last year. The international trend was particularly evident during this period: overnight stays by foreign guests jumped by 7,3 percent in December. Industry observers attribute this growth to the state’s strengthened positioning as a year-round destination, with marketing efforts focusing particularly on health, culinary, and arts and culture offerings. The final figures for the year are expected in mid-February.
For 2026, Lower Austria Tourism is planning a further quality initiative. A key component is the expansion of “Selected Stays,” a selection of high-quality accommodations designed to attract premium guests through enhanced standards. Among the year’s tourist highlights are the Lower Austrian State Exhibition and significant anniversaries, including the 20th anniversary of the Grafenegg Festival and the Lower Austria Convention Bureau. The expansion of cycling infrastructure and the continuation of established events such as the Wine Autumn are also expected to provide additional impetus for day trips and holidays.
Additional economic data underscores the sector’s importance for regional value creation. Besides traditional hotels, the restaurant industry in particular benefits from the close ties to the wine-growing regions. The strategy of the regional authorities aims to secure competitiveness against other Alpine regions through investments in modern infrastructure and the digitalization of booking processes. Furthermore, the ongoing development of the Lower Austria Card, which is regularly updated with new destinations, is intended to further strengthen the loyalty of guests from within Austria and the immediate border region.