Vienna Woods event: Tourism as a motor for Lower Austria's future!

Vienna Woods event: Tourism as a motor for Lower Austria's future!

The Vienna Woods Tourism Reception took place in the picturesque Laxenburg Castle Park on May 20, 2025, an important event for the Lower Austria region. State Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner opened the celebrations and emphasized the crucial role of tourism marketing for the state. Their goal is to develop Lower Austria from a tourist destination into a fully-fledged holiday destination.

As part of the event, the Lower Austria State Medal of Merit was awarded to Maria Haarhofer, who was highlighted as an important linchpin in tourism. Mikl-Leitner praised their achievements and also pointed out the funding instruments such as the Lower Austria Card, which are intended to boost excursion tourism.

Focus on economic tourism and sustainability

Michael Shower, Managing Director of Niederösterreichwerbung, spoke about Laxenburg as an attractive destination for business tourism, which contributes to a third of the total overnight stays in the region. This area is supported by the Convention Bureau Lower Austria, which organizes meetings, events, incentives and congresses. The bureau currently has 49 partners and has developed significantly since 2006. It is the first point of contact for companies, agencies and conference organizers.

The large range of professional infrastructure and the proximity to Vienna make Lower Austria a sought-after destination for business tourism. Mikl-Leitner made it clear that in pandemic-free years, a third of all overnight stays occur in this area, which underlines the economic importance.

The region promotes art and culture

The added value of culture in the Vienna Woods reaches around 200 million euros. Michael Wollinger, Managing Director of Wienerwald Tourismus GmbH, reported on an extremely successful year for tourism. Christoph Kainz highlighted the positive development of the destination, while Andreas Kimberger, chairman of the Advertising & Market Communication specialist group, addressed a painting competition for elementary schools, the winner of which was the Vösendorf elementary school, followed by the schools in Heiligenkreuz and Pfaffstätten. The marketing campaign to promote tourism will be implemented from the winning projects of the competition.

Numerous representatives of the tourism industry, members of the state parliament and mayors from the region were present at the event. Among the speakers were David Berl, Mayor of Laxenburg, and Carmen Jeitler-Cincelli, National Councilor. The event was accompanied by LEADERSNET, who provided a gallery.

The efforts in the tourism sector in Lower Austria are intended not only to strengthen the regional economy, but also to preserve the cultural heritage and position the region internationally as a holiday and cultural destination. Further information about congress funding and top partners in business tourism can be found on the website Lower Austria tourism to find.

Developments such as the introduction of a quality offensive with the “Selected Stays” program show that high-quality tourism will continue to be valued in the future.