Upper Austria tourism investment fuels growth as Austria sees mixed regional economic gains

Tourism in Upper Austria reached a record 9 million overnight stays in the 2024/25 season, and the 2025/26 winter season posted a 3.2 % increase, outpacing the national rise of 2.5 %. To sustain the momentum, the state government approved a €24.5 million investment by Hinterstoder‑Wurzeralm Bergbahnen for new lift and snow‑making infrastructure at the Wurzeralm alpine area, with up to €16.2 million in state funding. A further €11 million package will modernise the nearby Wurbauerkogel, adding a four‑seat gondola equipped for bike transport, a bike‑shop, expanded bike‑park, and upgraded visitor facilities. "These impulses are crucial for our economy," said Upper Austria’s governor Thomas Stelzer.

Nationally, Austria’s economy is projected to grow 0.8 % in 2024. Growth rates vary by state: Carinthia is forecast to post the strongest rise at 1.4 % driven by AI‑related investments, while Tirol and Vienna each anticipate around 1.0 % growth. Upper Austria, by contrast, recorded a slight 0.2 % decline last year. Bank Austria economists note that industry remains the primary growth driver, whereas tourism, despite strong occupancy numbers, contributed negatively due to high labour and energy costs.