The Austrian government is
to guarantee that organisers of events in the capital Vienna during 2021 and
2022 will be covered for non-cancellable costs incurred due to coronavirus
event cancellations or restrictions.
The coverage, managed by
the Austrian Hotel and Tourism Bank and worth an estimated €300 million, will be available from 15 January and will “increase
planning security for events, minimise risk and give confidence to the industry".
"The protective
umbrella for event organisers that has been decided upon is welcomed by the
Vienna meeting industry and understood as an important signal," said Christian
Woronka, head of the Vienna Convention Bureau.
"Between 4,000 and
5,000 congresses, corporate events and incentives take place in Vienna every
year - making Vienna one of the most sought-after meeting destinations in the
world. In normal times, Vienna's congress industry generates around one billion
euros for Austria.”
The bureau says the scheme is the "first in the world to offer this type of aid to events of all sizes".
Vienna is one of the busiest meeting destinations in the world,
according to the International Congress and
Convention Association and the Union of International Associations.