Funding of Eurovision Song Contest 2026 Biggest Challenge

At the meeting of the candidate cities for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Austria, it became clear that financing the major event is likely the biggest challenge. Vienna Tourism Director Norbert Kettner stated at a press conference that "the trees do not grow into the sky" in this regard.

Eurovision Song Contest 2026: Vienna with Extensive Experience in International Major Events

Both Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) and Tyrol's Governor Anton Mattle (ÖVP) had publicly declared this, Kettner explained. Meanwhile, the "Tiroler Tageszeitung" reported on Tuesday that Innsbruck's host city financing package is likely to be around 20 million euros. When asked if Vienna offers more, Kettner did not want to answer. However, they do not want to "overextend" financially. The federal capital certainly brings a lot of experience with international major events, he explained. This includes a previous ESC in 2015, enough beds in the city, as well as excellent flight and rail connections.

The managing director of Vienna Tourism also sits on the ORF Foundation Board and was rather diplomatic regarding the possible venue. Kettner also emphasized that not only infrastructure but also social openness is required: "A Song Contest brings colorfulness - you have to be able to endure that." With this, he alluded to political resistance in some federal states. Even though all three cities see themselves in a "sporting competition," the ESC - regardless of the award - will be a festival of diversity, Kettner was convinced.

Innsbruck Promotes "Colorful Family Festival" at Eurovision Song Contest 2026

The managing director of Innsbruck Tourism, Barbara Plattner, was already much more active in promoting her city. She advertised with the Olympiaworld as a stage "between Nordkette and Patscherkofel," short distances, and a mix of sports, nature, and cultural experiences for the whole family. The venue has already proven itself. "The whole city will become a colorful festival area," Plattner announced.

The Upper Austrian state capital Linz is applying together with Wels, where the event hall would be located. Now, the governor and the mayors of the two cities have to clarify the question of financing, reported Marie-Louise Schnurpfeil, managing director of Linz Tourism. "The phone lines are burning," she said. All three tourism officials emphasized the importance of long-term and sustainable measures for the living environment of the respective city.

Eurovision Song Contest 2026: Tourism Focus on Locals

The actual topic of the press conference was "City Tourism in Transition" and the necessary strategies for it. Common to all three cities - Vienna, Linz, and Innsbruck - is the claim to understand tourism more as part of urban development - with a clear focus on the quality of life of the local population. "Tourism is location policy," said Kettner. Innsbruck invests about 75 percent of its budget directly into the location, while Linz, with the slogan "Take a Risk - Visit Linz," relies on the courage to change.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.