Tourism in Vienna grew for the fourth consecutive year according to official data from the City Bureau.
Overnight visits to the Austrian capital have climbed by some 6.7 per cent since 2005.
Last year's bumper crop was aided by the 200th anniversary celebrations for Mozart, but figures show a consequent increase since 2003.
Much of this is due to a perceived change of image for the former Habsburg capital. Foreign travel writers are now pointing to a more youthful spirit in the air, offsetting the fusty stereotype of old.
This week, 'The Wall Street Journal' hailed Vienna's 'contemporary art renaissance', whilst the Austrian capital has also proven a hit with gay travellers. The winning of the 'Gay Destination of the Year' award in 2004 seems to belie the notion of Vienna as an intolerant city.
That said, there are treats in store for laddish lads too, as Austria will be co-hosting the European Cup in 2008. The football final will be right here in Vienna on 29th June. The following year, the pendulum swings back to the aesthetes, with the bicentennial of Josef Haydn lined up.
Emboldened by the success of recent years, the government has decided to increase it's tourism marketing budget to 12 million Euros.
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