Bad Tatzmannsdorf in the Eurovision frenzy: rooms already sold out!

Bad Tatzmannsdorf in the Eurovision frenzy: rooms already sold out!

Bad Tatzmannsdorf is currently breaking all booking records for May 2026. The reason for the high demand is the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, for which Oberwart is being discussed as a possible venue. Mayor Stefan Laimer is observing massive room bookings from all over Europe and reports that apartments in the region are almost fully booked. However, the positive booking situation could depend on the final decision as to where the competition will actually take place.

Laimer is optimistic that the region can cope with the number of overnight stays, but also expresses concerns about the numerous bookings, many of which have a free cancellation option. Tourism experts in particular warn that not choosing Oberwart as the venue could have negative effects on the local economy. They fear the migration of interested holiday guests and cancellations of rooms that have already been booked.

Context of the Eurovision Song Contest

The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is the 70th edition of the prestigious competition and will take place in May 2026. The venue has not yet been decided, but there are several cities in Austria that have expressed interest, including Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck, Wels and Oberwart. Vienna is particularly strong in the running due to its previous experience as a previous host of the competition in 1967 and 2015.

National broadcaster Österreichischer Rundfunk (ORF) will act as host after Austria won the 2025 competition with the song “Wasted Love” by JJ, securing the rights to host it in 2026. Even if Oberwart shows interest, cities like Graz with the Stadthalle and Innsbruck with the Olympiahalle are in direct competition.

Eligibility and Market Opportunities

Discussions are currently underway regarding the participation of some countries, with the initial group of participants provisionally determined in May 2025. Countries like Andorra and Bosnia-Herzegovina are considering a return to competition, while others like Israel are hesitant because of political uncertainty. These uncertainties and the discussions about the participating nations are crucial to the success of the competition.

Burgenland Tourism has assessed the chances for Oberwart as a venue as low, but sees the prospect of positive advertising value for the region. Didi Tunkel, head of Burgenland Tourism, is optimistic, as the booking situation remains stable in the other cities that are also fighting for the event.