With a high-profile presentation, both in terms of content and political impact, Austria positioned itself at the start of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo. The Austria Tourism Evening, hosted by the Austrian National Tourist Office at the Austria House, brought together international media, political decision-makers, and representatives from sports, business, and tourism. Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Energy and Tourism Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, and State Secretary Elisabeth Zehetner personally witnessed Austria's presentation, which combined top-level sports, culinary delights, hospitality, and strategic tourism development. With the first medals already won and a moving medal ceremony featuring luge star Jonas Müller, Austria impressively underscored its successful start to the Winter Olympics and sent a strong signal of sporting excellence and international presence.
The Austria Tourism evening also consciously focused on culinary delights, art, and networking: A specially created menu by Vitus Winkler, Gault&Millau Chef of the Year 2026 and awarded two Michelin stars, regional specialties from all Austrian states, and artistic touches, such as the four-meter-tall heart sculpture by Tyrolean artist Patricia Karg, which became the visual, emotional, and highly visible symbol of the Austria House, characterized the evening. With the content and visual design of the Austria House, the Austrian Olympic Committee and the Austrian National Tourist Office demonstrate how major international events can be strategically used to position Austria as a travel destination.
