After 2015, it is now clear that Vienna will once again host the world's biggest television show. The final will take place on May 16, 2026.
Since Johannes ”JJ” Pietsch’s victory in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, there is no doubt – the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will be held in Austria. The event’s return to Vienna not only confirms the city’s experience as a host city, but also sends a strong signal for international cultural tourism.
Vienna, the music metropolis with global brilliance, combines historical elegance with urban creativity. Back in 2015, the city showed how the Eurovision Song Contest can be staged as a top-class, sustainable event – with over 20,000 extra overnight stays, 500 jobs created and an advertising value of hundreds of millions of euros. In total, more than 38 million euros in gross value were generated.
”In 2015, Vienna impressively demonstrated that the ESC is both a cultural highlight and an economic engine. We will build on this in 2026. Vienna combines cultural diversity, a strong tourism industry and excellent infrastructure. This provides ideal conditions for successfully hosting the ESC and strengthening Austria’s international profile.”, says Elisabeth Zehetner, State Secretary for Energy, Startups and Tourism.
”My warmest congratulations go to Vienna! The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in the world's music capital is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Austria in all its diversity – cosmopolitan, creative and with a unique sense of life – our 'Lebensgefühl'. This international event will inspire and unite people from all over the world,’ says Astrid Steharnig-Staudinger, CEO of Austria Tourism, Austria's national tourism organization.
Event tourism is one of the cornerstones of Austria's tourism industry: 11% of tourists attend music events, spend more than average (€218/day) and stay longer. The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is expected to multiply these effects – with Vienna as a stage for cultural depth and urban pulse.
According to the press release.
