Best result in 2024

Positive results for tourism in Graz in 2024

The Advent markets in Graz were also stormed in 2024.

(Bild: Jauschowetz Christian)

Gratifying annual review by Graz tourism experts: 2024 was a new record year for overnight stays. Austrians, Germans and Poles are the most popular visitors to the Styrian capital. The ambitious plan is to attract even more tourists to Graz in 2025. 

City Councillor Günter Riegler (ÖVP) and Graz Tourism Managing Director Dieter Hardt-Stremayr have a positive outlook. Together with Managing Director Susanne Haubenhofer and Chairwoman Sylvia Loidolt from the Graz Experience Region, they presented the positive tourism figures for the past year at a press conference on Wednesday morning. And they are certainly impressive!

The number of overnight stays rose from 1,290,696 (2023) to 1,393,297. That is an increase of around 7.9 percent in just one year. This trend is evident in all months and makes Riegler feel positive: "It's still getting better."

The end of the year stands out in particular. "December is a special month. Since 1995, the number of overnight stays here has almost quadrupled. This is mainly due to the Graz Advent and New Year's Eve events," explains Hardt-Stremayr. 

Susanne Haubenhofer (Managing Director of Erlebnisregion Graz), City Councillor Günter Riegler (ÖVP), Sylvia Loidolt (Chairwoman of Erlebnisregion Graz) and Dieter Hardt-Stremayr (Managing Director of Graz Tourismus)

(Bild: Stadt Graz/Fischer)

Who is coming to Graz?
It is also interesting to take a look at the national ranking of visitors. Tourists from their own country are unbeaten: Austrians account for around 43.9 percent of overnight stays. Our neighbors from Germany take second place with 19 percent. Somewhat surprisingly, travelers from Poland complete the list of the top 3 nations in Graz with 3 percent, narrowly knocking Italian tourists off the podium. 

It is also pleasing to note that the number of congresses and conferences held in Graz has returned to pre-crisis levels. 197 congresses were held in 2024, bringing a total of around 63,500 visitors to the city. 

The tourism experts are not negative about the new provincial government's planned ban on begging. On the contrary, they believe it will have a positive impact on tourism. "We have a beautiful old town with great shopping opportunities that appeal to tourists. We have not understood the way beggars are treated in this respect for some time," says Hart-Stremayr. 

What's new?
Many new offers are planned for 2025 to make Graz even more attractive for tourists. For example, a light version of the Graz Card, which no longer includes public transport. "Many people have asked us why they should pay extra for public transport if they already have a climate ticket," explains the Managing Director of Graz Tourism. 

The times of the daily Old Town walking tour will also be adjusted. From May to September, this will take place twice a day, once in the morning and once in the late afternoon, to avoid the heat in the early afternoon. This year, there will also be a guided bike tour every Sunday for around three hours. 

The goal for this year is clear: even better numbers! Haubenhofer explains how this is to be achieved: "The link between activities outside the city, such as skiing or visits to the thermal baths, and overnight stays in the city should increase." By expanding this offer, tourists should be encouraged to extend their stay in Graz.