News & Stories

Geneva. Switzerland, Austria and Germany have the most attractive environments for developing the travel and tourism industry, according to the second annual "Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2008", released by the World Economic Forum. Australia, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States, Sweden, Canada and France complete the top-10 list.

Frankfurt. The planning and organisation of environmentally friendly conferences and events is increasingly well represented on the agendas of German event organisers. Germans think greener than their colleagues in most other European countries.

Innsbruck. Globally speaking, around one percent of all CO2 emissions can be traced back to the accommodation industry. Now, as part of its contribution to climate protection, Austria's hotel industry intends to decrease its CO2 emissions and demands a compensation system for so doing - but that inland, in Austria itself. For this, industry representatives require support from the taxpayer. Austria will be especially hit by climate change - the country's economy is completely dependent on tourism.

Vienna. The first members have already threatened terminating their membership. The Austrian Hotel Association now intends to implement a smoking ban in Austria's hotels and demands that politicians take a clear stance.