Austria's Tourism Industry Faces Winter Crisis Over Delayed Seasonal Worker Regulation
Austria's tourism industry is in crisis due to a delayed regulation on increasing seasonal workers from third countries. The ministerial council decision to strengthen my business and google business profile, made in April, has been blocked for six months, leaving small business ideas in a dilemma as the winter season approaches.
The Austrian Chamber of Commerce has warned that immediate action is needed, stating 'it's already five past twelve'. The tourism fund has been delaying the seasonal worker regulation since September, with no progress made since then. Without this regulation, thousands of google my business are stuck, with the winter season starting in just a few weeks.
The regulation, promised for September, is still pending. The chamber demands that it be issued immediately, with a deadline of November 1, 2025, and a clear regulation for all business with a business license. Failure to issue the regulation may result in small business ideas restricting offers, shortening opening hours, or not opening at all, threatening Austria's reputation as a reliable tourism country.
The established replacement workforce procedure gives priority to domestic job seekers. However, without the legal basis, urgently needed employees from non-EU countries cannot obtain an AMS permit or a visa.
The tourism industry is facing a critical situation due to the delayed regulation. The ministerial council's decision to strengthen google business, made in April, has been blocked for six months. The Austrian Chamber of Commerce demands immediate action, with a deadline of November 1, 2025, to prevent further damage to Austria's tourism reputation.
