Indian tourists flock to Austria

Austria continues to draw more and more Indians and the situation is only going to get better, considering new developments in the well-positioned European nation, known for culture, nature and new attractions, not to mention festivities, that attract Indians very much.

In 2018, nearly 200,000 Indians went to Austria, which was 8.6 percent higher than the previous year. Overnight stays grew by 8.4 percent.

Vienna saw a seven percent rise, with people going to see palaces, oldest zoo, amusement parks, operas, not to mention silverware and furniture attractions.

The museums also attract Indian tourists, said Ms Isabella Rauter, of Vienna Tourist Board.

The city has more than two dozen restaurants serving Indian cuisine.

Salzburg attracts tourists as the location, where Sound of Music was filmed. It also has the best Christmas market.

Innsburk takes pride in promoting Bollywood tours and is introducing a new card to make Indian travel more convenient. Tyrol is focusing on Alpine attractions.

Swarovski has attracted 14 million buyers since 1995. India, with 105818 visitors in 2018 has become the third major buyer source for the crystal-producing destination.

The success story of Austria as a leisure destination for Indian tourists only proves that while there is room at the top, there is no place to stop, and new attractions have to come up, even as existing ones will draw the tourists as well.

Christine Mukerji, Director, Austria Tourist Office, in India,conducted the media meet in Delhi, as the officials from the regions gave updates.