Congress tourism is picking up speed again
economy
Congress tourism is slowly but surely picking up speed again in Salzburg. The industry reports many inquiries and bookings – especially from companies from Germany and Austria. The business has suffered massively in the past two years.
According to the congress industry, however, many companies are apparently bringing their employees together again – for further training, congresses and product training. The first congress with 1,300 participants takes place in Salzburg in July.
When it comes to conferences and congresses, Salzburg is a stronghold and number two in Austria: after Vienna, most congresses, company conferences and seminars are held here. Congress tourism alone brought 400,000 overnight stays to hotels in the country in 2019 – before the outbreak of the pandemic.
Companies bring employees back together
Due to CoV, the business area had switched completely to the online world in the past two years. But now hotels and congress centers are feeling that the automotive industry, banks and insurance companies in particular are bringing their employees together again, says Stefan Heissel, chairman of the Salzburg congress office. The association markets 70 hotels and congress venues nationwide.
“There are again bookings that we have been putting off for years and that we can finally process this year. But there are also many new inquiries,” says Heissel.
Congress guest spends 550 euros per day
The conference guest is of immense importance for the local economy: the classic conference guest spends up to 550 euros per day. The lion’s share, 47 percent, flows into regional trade, leisure and cultural activities and transport.