How Austria Benefits from the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna
The study, which uses previous surveys and experiences from the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 in Vienna as well as data from other host cities as a basis, was created before yesterday's decision for Vienna as the ESC city 2026. Co-author Wolfgang Schwarzbauer emphasized that the figures would be only slightly different if Innsbruck were the host: "The differences are not significantly large."
Costs for Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna Significantly Below Basel
With the projected costs amounting to 36 million euros, they are significantly below those in Basel this year, which amounted to 64 million euros, said Schwarzbauer during the presentation of the study together with ÖVP Tourism State Secretary Elisabeth Zehetner: "We do not expect the costs to be as high here."
And these expenses are offset by the positive effects. It is expected that there will be 88,000 additional visitors specifically for the event in Vienna - which is below the figures of the host cities in previous years, but does not include any possible double counting that may have occurred there. From this group, an additional demand impulse of 21 million euros is expected. Added to this are the expenses for the events themselves, which are set at 36 million euros (of which 5 million euros are covered by the European Broadcasting Union/EBU). The total demand impulse thus amounts to around 57 million euros, emphasized State Secretary Zehetner.
Effect of Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna on Economic Output of 52 Million Euros
Using these figures as a basis, ECO Austria estimates the direct effects on the domestic economic output at around 52 million euros. The ESC secures or creates 550 full-time equivalents. The associated revenues from taxes and duties are estimated at about 22 million euros - which roughly corresponds to the projected costs for the city of Vienna.
"Our aim is to use the event as a showcase for all of Austria," Zehetner made it clear that from a macroeconomic perspective, yesterday's location decision was of secondary importance: "The event brings advertising value for our entire country." After all, in addition to the 57 million euros in specific local expenditures, there is also the worldwide advertising value. This is estimated at 730 million euros for 2026. The medium- and long-term advertising impact for the location Vienna and the site Austria is therefore enormous.
Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna: "Short-term Impulse That Resonates"
"The effects of the Eurovision Song Contest for Austria go far beyond the short-term demand," ECO Austria's head Monika Köppl-Turyna made clear, pointing to another positive side effect of the study's creation: "We all had a lot of fun because we are all big fans of the Eurovision Song Contest."
Similarly, study author Schwarzbauer draws a positive conclusion overall: "The Song Contest is certainly not wasted, but definitely something very positive that sets a short-term impulse that resonates."
(APA/Red)
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