Austria Tourism Puts Austria's 'Hidden Gems' in the International Spotlight at Austria House

The evening opened with a so-called ‘Heartbeat Moment’ in Coldplay concert style: the guests' LED wristbands lit up in unison. A symbolic start that made Austria's heartbeat visible – its passion for winter sports, cuisine and lifestyle.

Most of the international guests had already experienced Olympic competitions live that day, including the women's downhill and the men's luge competitions, with Jonas Müller winning silver. The evening at Austria House placed these impressions in a larger context, using the red-white-red Olympic hotspot as a platform for exchange between business, tourism, sport, politics and the media. The focus was on so-called ‘hidden gems’ – culinary, regional and tourist offerings that position Austria as a year-round destination. Culinary presentations from various federal states and multimedia presentations underlined this approach.

‘Austria House is a place where the Olympics have an impact beyond sport,’ said President of the Olympic Committee Horst Nussbaumer. ‘It's about encounters, dialogue and making Austria visible in all its diversity – through top sporting achievements and the associated Olympic values.’

AUSTRIA AS A TRAVEL DESTINATION ON THE GLOBAL STAGE

‘This evening, we are celebrating Austria not only as a nation of winter sports, but also as a truly outstanding travel destination – in both winter and summer,’ said Astrid Steharnig-Staudinger, Managing Director of the Austrian National Tourist Office, in her inspiring opening speech. ‘Austria is internationally known as a winter destination – but it has so much more to offer: award-winning cuisine honoured with Michelin stars and other prestigious awards, a cultural heritage that is valued worldwide, and our so called ‘Lebensgefühl’ – the Austrian way of life that cannot be explained, but must be experienced. This is exactly what we are bringing to the international stage together with our partners.’

VITUS WINKLER'S CULINARY SIGNATURE 

Cuisine was a central element of the evening. Vitus Winkler, Gault & Millau Chef of the Year 2026, Four Falstaff Forks Chef and Two Michelin Star Chef from the Salzburg region, was responsible for the gastronomic concept. ‘Austrian cuisine thrives on its authenticity and the extraordinary diversity of our landscapes,’ said Vitus Winkler. ‘Rivers, lakes, alpine pastures and forests shape what we cook. Culinary quality is created when you respect these origins and work with the seasons – all year round.’

The fact that enjoyment knows no season in Austria is also evident in his daily work: ‘Regional products, fresh herbs and a direct connection to nature are the basis – even in winter.’ His signature intermezzo ‘F(r)ischfeld’ – char, sauerkraut, oxymel and watercress – was not just a course, but a culinary narrative about origin, landscape and craftsmanship.

AN INVITATION TO DISCOVER MORE OF AUSTRIA 

At the end of the evening, guests received a ‘Hidden Gem Box’ with selected products and QR codes that lead to other, lesser-known destinations and experiences in Austria. A conscious invitation to discover Austria not all at once, but step by step.

The exclusive guest lineup gladly accepted this invitation: Austrian Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker, Austrian Minister of Economic Affairs Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, Austrian State Secretary for Tourism Elisabeth Zehetner, Michael Rendi, The Austrian Ambassador to Italy as well as silver luge medallist, Jonas Müller, and the famous Austrian ski legend, Franz Klammer.

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