Well-Connected and Welcoming, Vienna Is a European Hub to Watch

Although Vienna is one of Europe’s ancient cities — its origins date all the way back to the Roman Empire — in many ways the destination is as fresh and modern as they come. That’s due, in part, to its smart urban design and high quality of life, which make getting around comfortable and easy for visitors. The city is compact and well equipped with efficient public transportation options, including more than 150 subway, tram, and bus routes. That includes the City Airport Train, which connects visitors arriving at Vienna International Airport with the city center in 16 minutes. All three of the city’s main convention facilities — Austria Center Vienna, Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center, and HOFBURG Vienna — are reachable by public transit as well.

That impressive level of accessibility also extends to the destination’s airlift. More than 70 airlines serve Vienna with connections to 200 destinations worldwide, including many to North America. All European capitals are less than a three-hour flight away as well. Austrian Airlines — part of Lufthansa Group and the Star Alliance — offers tailored event support with special offers for groups.

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Vienna’s seemingly endless range of cultural attractions is one of the destination’s biggest assets, but planners may not know that most if not all of these venues can accommodate groups. That includes Vienna’s famous palaces, museums, art studios, theaters, and concert halls as well as more offbeat spaces, like nightclubs, former industrial buildings, and wine cellars. Need help combing through the 240-plus options? Tap the team at the Vienna Convention Bureau, a neutral resource on the destination that offers plenty of free services and financial support to boot.

Planners who have made sustainability a priority for their meeting program can also look to the Vienna Convention Bureau for support. The bureau can certify meetings with the Austrian Ecolabel for Green Meetings and Green Events — part of a national program that certifies products and services with a low environmental impact — in addition to offering planning assistance for CSR programs. Groups can also take pride in the fact that they’re meeting in a destination where sustainability is woven into its fabric. Besides committing to reaching carbon neutrality by 2040, the city’s walkability and ample public transit allows attendees to lessen their footprint as well. In addition, Vienna’s Smart City Framework Strategy is setting a higher standard for everything from resource conservation to urban development.