March Tourism Drops in Austria as Global Uncertainty Hits International Tourism

26th May 2026

Last modified on June 3rd, 2026

In March 2026 12.1m overnight stays were registered, a decrease of 4.9% compared to the previous year. One factor cited is consequences of President Trump’s international policies.

International uncertainty following the war on Iran by the USA and Israel contributed to less international visitors.

The war began on 28th February and the March fall stands in contrast to the overall winter figures where from November 2025 to March 2026 there were 66.4m overnight stays in Austria.

That’s an increase of 3.6% compared to the previous year.

“Geopolitical uncertainty and a noticeable ‘trumplation’ in important markets are increasing costs and dampening demand,” said the Tourism State Secretary, Elisabeth Zehetner.

According to Statistics Austria, the decline in March can also be explained by shifts in holiday and travel periods.

“March is a good example of how heavily tourism depends on the calendar and international travel patterns,” added Elisabeth Zehetner.

“It is therefore all the more important that domestic tourism increased significantly by 7.8% in March, thus offsetting some of the weaker demand from abroad.

“Domestic demand has also been positive throughout the entire winter season so far.

“This provides businesses with additional stability and brings added value to where it matters most – to the regions.

“In such a situation, vacations in one’s own country become a question of stability.”

While the source markets remain stable in importance, the travel behavior of guests in winter is shifting.

“They are focusing their vacations on the core months of December to February,” said the Managing Director of Tirol Werbung, Karin Seiler.

“At this time, winter is no longer as present in people’s minds; they are turning their attention to summer activities and warmer climates.”

Tirol Werbung has invested half a million euros in additional funding for the winter campaign, the “Glacier Spring” initiative in collaboration with the five Tirolean glaciers, and live images from the ski resorts.

This initiative, in partnership with tourism associations and cable car companies, aims to raise awareness of late winter among potential visitors.

Overnight winter stays from the UK to the Tirol last season increased by 3.9% to 950,000.

It is the third most important foreign market after Germany (12.4m) and the Netherlands (3.8m).

Warth, Ski Arlberg, Austria. Image © PlanetSKI

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