TORONTO — Advantage Austria was in Toronto last night in style, with a gala for trade partners that included an opera and dance performances. Partners from the country were on hand to offer updates and to showcase a destination where clients with higher tastes will be at home.

Austrian Airlines kicked off the luxury theme with its announcement of a new Premium Economy product coming to the Canadian market and all long-haul flights. Also, the Toronto to Vienna summer service will offer flights every day except Wednesday. The airline is also expanding internationally with 18 new routes on offer.

The city of Vienna is looking forward to the rest of 2018 with ‘100 years celebrating Viennese Modernism’. The city will also welcome four new hotel developments in the four to five-star range, with Hotel Das Tries recently completing an expansion to 100 rooms, Palis Hotel currently looking to renovate, Mooons opening in spring and Andaz Am Belvedere Vienna opening in the fall. The trade is encouraged to learn more about the city through its specialist program at viennaexpertsclub.at.

For clients visiting the destination, day trips to Bratislava can be booked with Twin City Liner, which can also charter ships for groups. Clients looking to take part in a Vienesse Ball will also be luck, with 450 balls taking place each year.

Outside of Vienna there are plenty of options for winter and summer travel. In Salzburg, there¹s a 6-week music festival in the summer and Christmas markets in the winter. Known for river cruises, the city is hoping to encourage people to stay in town. At one accommodation option, the Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron, clients can enjoy the palace’s famous setting seen in The Sound of Music.

For ski fans, the tourist board points out that a flight to Austria is comparable to a flight to western Canada. And who can resist the bragging rights of saying you skied in Austria? Two areas for alpine enthusiasts to consider are Innsbruck and Alberg.

Innsbruck has seen a rise in Canadian travellers looking to ski, enjoy their Imperial heritage and the Christmas market. Recent
investments include a new cable car system plus three new hotels with dasMei, Stage 12 and Hotel Mooshaus.

The area of Alberg is made up of five ski towns and is collectively known as ‘The Cradle of Alpine Skiing’. The area is home to the most championship skiers and is a great suggestion for serious skiers.