- The Austrian National Tourist Office is the equivalent of the state ministry of tourism. Our office has representations in 30 countries, including Ukraine. We print tourism bulletins for tourism business professionals and the press, which are published four times a year. They include a specially selected collection of news about resorts and events, plus contacts with partners from Austria (hotels, tourism companies, etc.).
Last year we started a supplement called «Hello from Austria,» aimed at tourists. It should be understood that we do not work with tourists on a mass scale – only through the press and through tourism companies. Our main task is to promote Austria as a destination with the widest range of tourism opportunities – both mountain holidays and acquaintance with cultural heritage. First of all, we help establish contacts between Ukrainian and Austrian tour operators and participate in tourism exhibitions. In between, we hold a so-called «summer workshop,» i.e., a one-day exhibition in which Austrian partners take part. This is an ideal time to discuss preparations for the ski season.
For travel agency employees, at the end of 2006 we launched a new virtual project – the «Austrian Tourism Academy,» the idea of which is to gain knowledge at a convenient time without leaving your computer. This method has proven itself well in Germany and Switzerland, and now we have made a Russian version. In the winter «Academy,» 1,000 participants from CIS countries were registered, among them many Ukrainians. Students read course materials and at the end filled out tests – all «students» completed the winter course and will receive certificates based on the results. In spring and summer we will run a summer course, which any manager or executive can take by visiting the website www.austriatourism.com/ru. Importantly, it is completely free. There are also longer-term plans – in the future we plan to conduct courses for cities and federal states.
For tourists, all useful information is available on the website www.austria.info/ru.
- What are the main tourism trends in Austria now?
- Traditionally, it is ski holidays and sightseeing tours. Also, golf tourism and health tourism are very popular in Austria now. Recently, wellness and spa resorts have been in high demand. Even hotels in ski areas are designed so that you get a full rest, including restorative treatments – bio-saunas, thermal complexes, etc.
Plus all kinds of cultural programs that never end. Excursions to Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck are always popular. Currently, sports tourism is also relevant – this is due to the fact that in 2008 Austria together with Switzerland will host the European Football Championship. Therefore, a lot of work is starting now – experience is being taken from Germany, developments are underway, and at the end of this year a large-scale advertising campaign will begin to attract tourists not only to Euro-2008, but also to consider the host country as a holiday destination.
Great summer holidays can be arranged in Austria. Ukrainians prefer to visit the country in winter, but there is plenty to do in summer as well. Lake holidays are gaining popularity. After all, the country has thousands of pristine lakes, and Ukrainians are increasingly choosing to visit the Alpine country over seaside holidays. Approximately 70% of Austria's lakes have drinking water, plus crystal-clear air and a mild climate. All this contributes to the health of tourists. Hotels offer very good conditions, though prices differ from such mass destinations as Turkey and Egypt. This should be taken into account. What can I say, this direction is gaining momentum, and although there are no charter flights yet like in winter, departures are available every day. This is also favored by the fact that Ukraine is a very important and promising market for Austria. Ukraine is currently among the ten fastest-growing markets. This is a very large increase, which arouses great interest in Austria.
- Did the current rather warm winter affect the number of holidaymakers in Austria?
- Of course, the weather's tricks dampened interest in skiing among tourists worldwide, but there was snow in Austria. It is not as good as usual, but it is lying and skiing is possible. The ski resorts were perfectly prepared for the season; special snow cannons and a large number of glaciers help maintain the snow cover. Tourists are skiing and are very satisfied.
- So the weather cataclysms did not significantly affect the quality of the holiday?
- That's right. And there were practically no cancellations, because tours are booked in advance. The cancellation rate for Austria was very low – people believed that there would be snow. Unlike the Czech Republic and Ukraine, there really was snow at Austria's ski resorts, and skiing was comfortable. We consider the season a success.
- And is interest from our tourists specifically in ski resorts growing compared to previous seasons?
- It is growing, and at a rapid pace. A big influence is that skiing has become fashionable in Ukraine – some people start doing it even at a very advanced age. Because of the warm winter, perhaps some will not go to Austria for a second or third time this year, as is now often practiced, but our regular tourists have gone to the mountains at least once this season.
Tour operators offer many combined tours – ski holidays in Austria plus New Year celebrations or trips to various excursions. Ukrainian tourists are generally very educated and inquisitive. Few come exclusively to ski. Even those who do not book excursions before departure try to visit at least nearby attractions.
Near Innsbruck, the Swarovski Museum is very popular; many are attracted by Christmas in Vienna, numerous Christmas markets, Viennese balls, and so on. The number of tourists on cultural heritage tours is also gradually growing.
- Do you help travel agencies develop programs in any way?
- Only in terms of providing informational support and help with contacts. Each region has its own tourism office, which conducts various events. The city provides information to tour operators, and they in turn quickly form programs. For example, last year was dedicated to the Mozart anniversary, so every self-respecting Austrian tour operator included a tour following Mozart's trail in Vienna and other cities.
- You said that Ukrainian tourists are very inquisitive, but do our tourists have language problems in Austria? Is it necessary to stock up on phrase books?
- Not at all. Almost all tour operators provide Russian-speaking guides, many restaurants print menus in Russian, and on the street you can get answers in English. Knowing English, a person won't get lost. Moreover, every town has its own tourist information office, where any visitor can get the necessary data for free. Information, besides German, will be at least in English, French, and Italian. About museums and other attractions, there are brochures in Russian as well.
For the convenience of tourists, cards are sold in Vienna and Salzburg that provide discounts on museum visits and multiple trips. Additionally, there is an option to independently develop an excursion route around Vienna online.
- What problems might Ukrainians encounter when applying for visas?
- The visa situation has now normalized. Travel agencies know the requirements, which are standard for countries in the Schengen zone. By adhering to them, there will be no problems. It is even possible that the tourist does not have to visit the embassy - the agency representatives can do it for them.
For opening a visa, documents required include an official invitation from the Austrian side, confirmation of hotel payment, and ticket reservation (if you buy a tour from a Ukrainian company, all this will be provided). The requirements are not as strict as tourists might think. The most that might be needed is a certificate of financial status or a positive balance on a credit card. I advise planning the trip in advance and depositing funds at the rate of €100 per day of stay. Whether to spend them or not is your personal business, but this amount gives the Austrian side some guarantee that the tourist will not be vagrancing, starving, or breaking the law.
Now, with the huge number of tourists, visas can even be processed in three days. The main thing is to submit the visa application documents no later than two weeks before the trip. Then you have every chance to go to Austria and have a good rest there, because, let's be honest, tourism is the most profitable component of the country's budget, and Ukraine is one of the most promising clients.
- Coffee Viennese style, Viennese ball - that's what immediately comes to mind when Austria is mentioned…
- No wonder, because this is a whole layer of culture. To understand why this centuries-old tradition is still alive, you need to visit Vienna.
There is a legend that it was a native of Ukraine who gave Austria coffee Viennese style. It was Franz-Georg Kolschitzky, who served in the army of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, he knew several Eastern languages, and was the only one who knew what to do with the green beans left by the Turks during their retreat. For his work, he asked his commander for sacks of them and roasted the coffee. Then he either taught the coffee house owner or opened it himself, but that establishment began serving a hot drink. True, the Poles believe that it was their compatriot, but we prefer the Ukrainian version.
The Viennese ball season is an even more unique thing. It starts on December 31 with the Imperial Ball at the palace and continues until spring. In Austria, even punks and hippies know how to waltz and mazurka. Viennese believe that every citizen of the city should be able to dance the classics. There are balls for laundresses and coffee house owners - representatives of different guilds. Naturally, the traditions of these balls have roots in the past.
The most famous ball in Vienna is the Opera Ball, where the cream of Central Europe gathers. Accordingly, it takes place at the Opera. Representatives of royal families from Europe come to it. Many of them, by the way, bring their heirs out into society precisely at such an event. Everything is very solemn, with appropriate attire and etiquette.
On the other hand, there are very democratic balls, where ordinary people go just to dance. Viennese spend time at the ball until 5 in the morning, then go outside, eat a sausage, and run home to change and go to work. That is, the ball simply brings them pleasure.
There is also a unique Life Ball, which takes place in May. This is a charity event, all proceeds from which go to support people with AIDS. It was organized by Elton John. This event is distinguished by the fact that its rules differ greatly from the classic ones - only bright clothing, and evening gowns and tailcoats are taboo. The ball usually features a show by a famous designer. Importantly, anyone can come to this ball, but must be in an outrageous outfit. And another detail - this event, which is very popular among representatives of sexual minorities, takes place in the city hall building, which is even hard for us to believe.
- Can our fellow countryman get to a Viennese ball?
- I won't say anything about the Opera Ball, but you will be let into an ordinary ball. Austrians are very tolerant, so you just need to buy a ticket in advance - and no problems. You can still do it.