Ever-larger crowds are sweeping through the cities and storming the mountains. Locals often feel left out. In Vienna, experts discussed city tolls and Venice-style entrance fees.
In August alone, more than 40 coaches travel to the city of Salzburg every day: “I wouldn’t ask those who stay overnight here to pay extra, but day trippers who come by bus should pay,” says hotelier and NEOS MP Sepp Schellhorn.
1500 euros per coach?
He is thinking of 1,500 euros per coach and slots for day visitors. Bernd Hochegger, a Carinthian entrepreneur, does not have this problem: “We do not have a place where too many guests come.” But Hochegger also thinks it is a good idea that day visitors who arrive by bus or cruise ship should pay something.
In any case, the much-cited city toll in the federal capital is off the table: Viennese tourism director Norbert Kettner does not see any “overtourism”.
I agree that new concepts are needed
Since 2016, 4,000 Viennese have been surveyed annually. “Nine out of ten say we understand that tourism is good for the city,” says Kettner. There is agreement that new concepts are needed. Climate change, AI and the search for workers are making the industry groan.
State Secretary Susanne Kraus-Winkler has now announced that the tax on official accommodation in tourism will no longer apply next year. Incidentally, Alexander Scheutz, the mayor of Hallstatt, which is particularly affected by the tourist crowds, is clearly against an entrance fee.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
