Vienna, the city where Strauss composed his masterpieces and Klimt painted his golden dreams, continues to attract Canadians with its timeless elegance and vibrant cultural scene.
In fact, Elke Bachner, B2B Marketing Relations at the Vienna Tourist Board, shared positive news about the robust visitation from the Canadian market, saying, "Wow! We are up and above Canadian travellers to Vienna.”
Bachner’s remark came at a trade event at the Chelsea Hotel’s Bb33 bistro in Toronto on 10SEP, which brought together travel advisors, tour operators, airline associates, media, and other travel partners to learn about the happening city. It also recognized a decade of collaboration between AMpm Canada, which represents Vienna in Canada.
Echoing Bachner’s optimism, Eszter Almasi, Director Route Development with the Vienna International Airport, highlighted that between JAN and JULY 2024, passenger numbers between Canada (YUL and YYZ) and VIE exceeded 2019 volumes by 7.5 per cent.
Adding to the city’s achievements, Vienna was named the most liveable city in 2024 for the third year running, according to the EIU’s latest annual Global Liveability Index.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
In a powerful moment, Bachner opened her presentation by addressing Vienna's resilience and warmth in the aftermath of a foiled terror plot at a Taylor Swift concert that cancelled her remaining tour in the city.
"When what you cannot control, what you cannot do anything about, happens, you just get the people on board," Bachner said.
As a small gesture of comfort, Taylor Swift fans had the chance to trade in their unused tickets for free Swarovski necklaces. Ticket holders also received free admission at museums in Vienna and other tourism hot spots, and complimentary meals at burger restaurants.
“Really, Vienna knows how to invite people, how to be tolerant, how to be open-minded, how to be a metropolis, how to love people, to love art,” Bachner said.
Mendonca added, "That's when the whole world came together and turned it around and made it so positive."
A Hub for Music and Art
The spotlight on Vienna's timeless appeal focused heavily on its rich musical and artistic heritage and tourism offerings. With 2025 marking the 200th anniversary of composer Johann Strauss, the city is preparing to celebrate in grand style with an abundance of musical performances ranging from classical to contemporary.
For travel advisors catering to fans of classical music, Bachner offered a unique pro tip: Strauss' great-great-grandson, Eduard Strauss, resides in Vienna and can be engaged to provide intimate sessions for “small, upscale groups”, delving into the life, work, and legacy of his legendary ancestor.
Adding to the artistic flair of the event, collage artist Derek Gores performed a live art piece inspired by Vienna. Using images and photos from Austrian magazines brought by Bachner, Gores created a collage that captured the essence of Vienna’s artistic spirit.
“Vienna being a city of music and art, I thought it would be great to have Derek on board. It’s a unique way of telling a story. We’re merging art and tourism, and bringing these two possibilities together,” Mendonca said.
New Ways to Stay in Vienna
For clients seeking an upscale and fresh stay, Vienna offers beautiful newly-opened properties like the Hoxton Vienna, which debuted in spring 2024. This 196-room hotel is located in Vienna’s 3rd district and is housed in a marble mid-century building that used to be the Austrian Chamber of Commerce.
The Mandarin is another new brand in Vienna, set to debut in the first quarter of 2025. Located in the heart of Vienna’s prestigious 1st District, the Mandarin Oriental Vienna will feature 151 elegantly designed guest rooms and suites, a spa, a swimming pool, and a collection of 25 luxury penthouse residences with stunning views of the city.
Mendonca shared his recent experience staying in private VIP suites in Vienna, rather than a traditional hotel. He highlighted this as a fantastic option for clients seeking a luxurious, quieter experience, especially for long stays. “You can hire a chef and raise the level of the whole experience,” he noted.
Canada to VIE a Breeze
Air Canada offers non-stop service to VIE from YYZ, while Austrian Airlines has direct flights from YUL. After touchdown, reaching downtown Vienna is a breeze, noted Bachner. Just 19 kilometers from the airport, you can choose to drive, take a taxi, or hop on the City Airport Train, which takes travellers into the city centre non-stop in just 16 minutes and has announcements in English for convenience.
