"The Places To Be": New Guide to Vienna's Urban Design Published

Squares, recreational areas, and districts can be equally attractive to locals and guests - especially when planning considers both groups. Vienna Tourism is convinced of this and has now published a practical guide in collaboration with experts. It is intended to serve as a guide for other destinations to successfully integrate residents and visitors. Among other things, it highlights successful examples from practice.

Vienna Tourism Recommends: Consider Guests in Urban Planning

"The Places To Be" is the title of the guide. It aims to provide tips, based on models, primarily for the development of new centers that are equally attractive to locals and tourists. Among other things, the focus is on revitalizing old structures. The MuseumsQuartier in Vienna is cited as an example. Internationally, projects like the renewal of the Queen Victoria Markets in Melbourne or the High Line Park in New York are referenced.

According to Vienna Tourism, quality urban spaces require collaboration. Politics and administration should engage in dialogue with local residents and the tourism industry. The goal is to positively shape places and spaces for everyone, it is stated. For Tourism Director Norbert Kettner, the idea of cooperation is a fundamental pillar, as he emphasizes.

"At the same time, public space is heavily frequented and therefore requires clear rules that enable fair coexistence," he explained to the APA. Essentially, only places that work for the local population are also attractive to guests. Conversely, tourism can also be used to bring life to city centers, strengthen the local economy, and co-finance public infrastructure.

Sustainability, Housing, and Mobility in Focus

Concrete principles are also formulated to ensure acceptance on both sides and to avoid negative social and environmental impacts. Sustainability concepts are intended to contribute to this. Group tickets for public transport fall into this category. Traffic congestion can thus be reduced.

The area of housing is also highlighted. Reference is made to measures against short-term rentals, as have already been decided or are in effect in Vienna and Barcelona. In urban planning, it is recommended that ground floor zones should also receive special attention. At the same time, efforts should be made to avoid over-commercialization of urban spaces.

Strategic Approach: Vienna Attracts "Desired Guests"

Vienna Tourism also refers to its recently presented Visitor Economy Strategy "Optimum Tourism". It aims to keep tourism acceptance and guest satisfaction in balance ("Sweet Spot"). Two-thirds of Vienna's guests should correspond to "desired guests". This means they should demand art and culture as leisure guests, attend conferences or corporate meetings as business travelers, or consume in the high-end sector as luxury guests.

"The further development of Vienna as a livable city and internationally competitive location can only succeed through strategic investments in infrastructure, education, and sustainable mobility," said Tourism City Councilor Barbara Novak (SPÖ) in a statement. Tourism is now much more than just guest numbers, but rather a driver for innovation, international cooperation, and sustainable urban development, she noted.

(APA/Red)

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